Whereas, the UFT will kick off the 2021 local elections in New York City with 21 initial endorsements in January 2021; and

Whereas, the 2021 local elections in New York City feature 13 incumbent City Council members and 38 vacant City Council offices due to term limits, with more than 300 candidates having filed to run for office and represent their communities; and

Whereas, in December 2020 and January 2021, 12 incumbent City Council members participated in candidate interviews hosted by interview committees composed of UFT members who work and live in the districts the candidates represent after having submitted our UFT City Council Candidate Questionnaire; and

Whereas, 12 incumbent City Council members including Carlina Rivera from District 2, Keith Powers from District 4, Diana Ayala from District 8, Mark Gjonaj from District 13, Francisco Moya from District 21, Adrienne Adams from District 28, Robert Holden from District 30, Darma Diaz from District 37, Alicka Ampry-Samuel from District 41, Justin Brannan from District 43, Kalman Yeger from District 44 and Farah Louis from District 45 demonstrated the many ways they have collaborated with our union, have supported our programs and school communities, and are committed to continue to work in partnership; and

Whereas, City Council candidates seeking to represent City Council districts 1, 6, 15, 20, 25, 33, 35 and 47, which will be vacant seats due to term limits, submitted our UFT City Council Candidate Questionnaires and participated in candidate interviews hosted by interview committees composed of UFT members who work and live in the districts the candidates seek to represent; and

Whereas, Jenny Low from District 1, Gale Brewer from District 6, Ischia Bravo from District 15, Sandra Ung from District 20, Sheker Krishnan from District 25, Lincoln Restler from District 33, Crystal Hudson from District 35 and Ari Kagan from District 47 all demonstrated to their respective interview committees that they will be the best representatives for their districts, and pledge to support their local school communities and prioritize the needs of our union; and

Whereas, the 2021 local elections in New York City will also determine our next Queens borough president; and

Whereas, Donovan Richards is the incumbent candidate after winning a special election in November 2020 when the UFT endorsed him as the union’s preferred candidate; and

Whereas, we can be confident he will work as Queens borough president to expand economic and educational opportunities for all communities, continue to fight for jobs, support immigrant rights and fix public transportation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT endorses Jenny Low, Carlina Rivera, Keith Powers, Gale Brewer, Diana Ayala, Mark Gjonaj, Ischia Bravo, Sandra Ung, Francisco Moya, Sheker Krishnan, Adrienne Adams, Robert Holden, Lincoln Restler, Crystal Hudson, Darma Diaz, Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Justin Brannan, Kalman Yeger, Farah Louis and Ari Kagan to be the next City Council members to represent their respective districts; and, be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT endorses Donovan Richards for his primary election for Queens borough president.