WFP isn’t endorsing Meng challenger Chuck Park after all

The New York Working Families Party’s state officers voted not to endorse Chuck Park’s Democratic primary challenge against Rep. Grace Meng on Thursday, two people familiar with the process told City & State. It’s a rare example of WFP’s leadership acting against the recommendations of both a local WFP chapter and the New York City Regional Advisory Council in the party’s final endorsement decision.

Meng did not apply for the WFP endorsement, and the WFP’s decision not to endorse Park means the progressive third party will not have any involvement in the Queens race. The WFP did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

Last month, more than 90% of members in the Queens WFP chapter voted to recommend endorsing Park. The RAC – which includes representatives of WFP’s various local chapters and affiliated unions and grassroots community groups – passed the endorsement with a two-thirds majority earlier this week. While the RAC endorsement vote is merely advisory and the final endorsement decision is up to the WFP’s seven state officers, in practice, the state officers almost always follow the RAC’s recommendation. Not this time, though. In a statement to City & State, Park suggested the WFP came under political pressure not to endorse a challenger to Meng, a moderate incumbent Democrat who’s close to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I’m disheartened, because I know our campaign won 94% of the vote from rank and file members in the Queens chapter, followed by 67% of the vote in the Regional Advisory Council, which includes progressive institutions and nonprofits as well,” he said. “Apparently, the Democratic establishment convinced Working Families Party leadership to overturn two super-majority votes and the will of its members.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Meng campaign touted the lawmaker’s record in Congress. “No matter how hard Chuck Park tries to spin it, the reality is this: Grace gets results and voters know it. She’s proud to have built a broad coalition of progressive statewide and local leaders who trust her to fight Trump, stop ICE’s lawlessness and make their lives affordable,” the spokesperson, Greg Krieg, said in a statement. 

“Park can argue process, Grace will keep fighting for results,” he added.

The WFP’s backing would have given Park some momentum, particularly in some western parts of the district. Park’s insurgent campaign has harnessed some progressive enthusiasm but struggled to gain significant endorsements. 

On the same day the WFP declined to back Park, New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan – Park’s former boss – endorsed Meng.