U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler endorses Carlos Menchaca for City Council

Assemblymember Felix Ortiz Joins the Race

July 18, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca has received the endorsement of Assemblymember Jerry Nadler. Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta

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U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who represents New York’s 10th District, announced Tuesday that he is endorsing Democratic Councilmember Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park-Red Hook) in his re-election campaign, just as Assemblymember Felix Ortiz has officially joined the race to challenge Menchaca for the seat.

“Carlos is a tireless advocate for Red Hook, Sunset Park and South Brooklyn, and is the kind of courageous leader we need to stand up to the extremism of the Trump administration. I have no doubt Carlos will continue to deliver for the community,” said Nadler.

Menchaca seemed delighted with Nadler’s support. “I’m proud to receive the endorsement of Congressman Nadler,” said Menchaca. “I look forward to continue to partner with him to deliver for the residents of the 38th district by spurring economic development, giving our kids the best education, fighting for more affordable housing, protecting our immigrant and working families and empowering our community through participatory budgeting.”

Menchaca is the first Mexican-American elected to public office in New York state. He is chairman of the City Council Committee on Immigration and is a strong supporter of progressive issues. The incumbent councilmember has spearheaded the Council resolution reaffirming New York’s status as a sanctuary city, going so far as to hand-deliver the legislation to President Donald Trump at his residence in Trump Tower. He also serves on the Committees on Courts and Legal Services; Governmental Operations; Recovery and Resiliency; Small Business; Standards and Ethics; and Transportation.

Menchaca told the Brooklyn Eagle, “I cannot reiterate enough how thrilled I am by Congressman Nadler’s endorsement of my reelection campaign for District 38. He is a strong voice for our community on the federal level, particularly so on public transportation. He founded the Assembly Subcommittee on Mass Transit, after all. I look forward to partnering with him not only in fighting the harmful policies of the Trump administration, but also with improving public transportation right here in Brooklyn.”

Also in the running are Sara Gonzalez, whom Menchaca unseated in 2013; Javier Nieves; Delvis Valdez; Chris Miao; and Green party candidate Carmen Hulbert.

But perhaps his biggest challenge is from Ortiz, who on July 11 officially announced that he is running for the 38th Council District seat. Ortiz has been the District 51 assemblymember since 1994.

The Democratic primary election for City Council will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 12.