The UFT has endorsed incumbent Jumaane Williams for New York City public advocate in the Nov. 5 general election. The decision passed the union’s executive board on Oct. 21.

"Jumaane Williams is a tireless advocate for our students, parents, educators and public schools," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "He stands up for the people who can’t and has shown himself to be a voice for all New Yorkers."

A vocal supporter of public education, Williams attended New York City public schools from preschool through college. He is also a union advocate and the lead sponsor of the Paid Vacations Act, which would require that all New York City employees receive paid vacations.

Williams, a longtime community organizer, was elected to the City Council in 2009. He was elected public advocate in a February special election to succeed Letitia James after she became the state’s attorney general. Williams is defending his seat against two challengers in order to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in 2021.

Melinda Katz, who won a close primary election with the UFT’s support to become the Democratic nominee for Queens District Attorney, will be on the ballot in the general election in November with the union’s continued support.

The UFT is also supporting the reelections of Darcel Clark for Bronx District Attorney, Michael McMahon for Staten Island District Attorney and Farah Louis for the 45th City Council District in Brooklyn.