Klein Scores UFA Endorsement

State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein has earned the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association in his bid for re-election.

The endorsement came Monday, the same day that Klein’s Democratic primary opponent, Oliver Koppell, announced his run.

“State Senator Jeff Klein is a proven leader, a staunch advocate for public safety and the needs of our city and state's first responders, as well as being a long-time friend to New York City's Firefighters,” UFA President Stephen Cassidy said in a statement. “New York City Firefighters and the Uniformed Firefighters Association are proud to endorse Senator Jeff Klein for reelection."

Klein said in a statement that he was honored to receive the endorsement and that he would continue to support the union “as they protect New York City’s hardworking families.”

Klein earned a notable union endorsement last month when the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union announced it would back him. According to his campaign website, Klein also has the backing of TWU Local 100, Plumbers Local Union No. 1, elected officials—including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Bronx County Democratic Party Chairman Carl Heastie—and others.

The UFA endorsement came just after Koppell, the former state attorney general, assemblyman and New York City councilman, announced his run for Klein’s seat in the 34th District.

In terms of his own backing, Koppell said earlier Monday that he was not ready to announce any endorsements, though he believes he will receive some. He did acknowledge the fact that Klein, the incumbent, might have more endorsements in the end.

“He may have more endorsements than I do, but endorsements go just so far,” he said. “But we do expect to have endorsements.”