Heard Around Town
Letitia James backs Harvey Epstein in lower Manhattan council district
The state attorney general has only gotten involved in a couple of council races so far.
Assembly Member Harvey Epstein has the backing of state Attorney General Letitia James. Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images
Attorney General Letitia James is wading into the competitive race to represent Council District 2 in lower Manhattan, throwing her considerable political weight behind Assembly Member Harvey Epstein as he seeks to replace term-limited Council Member Carlina Rivera.
“Harvey Epstein is a champion for protecting tenants and any vulnerable New Yorker,” James said in a statement. “He is a strong force for justice in Albany and I am confident he will be an outstanding City Council Member for the people of Lower Manhattan in fighting for a safer and affordable New York."
James’ endorsement, shared with City & State ahead of its Monday announcement, comes roughly five weeks out from the June 24 primary. The Council District 2 Democratic primary is among the most competitive races in the city – one that’s garnered all the more attention as Anthony Weiner, the disgraced former Congress member and two-time mayoral candidate, attempts a political comeback.
Five leading candidates are vying for the Council District 2 seat: Epstein, who has also snagged endorsements from the Working Families Party and a handful of the city’s largest labor unions; Weiner; Sarah Batchu, a former de Blasio administration staffer and nonprofit leader; Community Board 3 Chair Andrea Gordillo; and Allie Ryan, a community activist and documentary film producer.
Getting the support of James – one of the most popular Democrats in New York – is a big deal. So far, the only other candidates besides Epstein endorsed by James this cycle are City Council Member Shaun Abreu who is seeking reelection further uptown and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams who is running for mayor. She’ll likely weigh in on more races in the weeks to come, though a spokesperson for her office declined to say for sure.
“For over two decades I have worked with Tish James to work on social and economic justice,” Epstein said in a statement. “She is an inspiration to all of us in her work to combat Trump and his horrible policies that negatively impact our community, state and country. I look forward to working with her in my new role in the council.”