Progressive wars: Raj Goyle claims support from trans activist who endorsed Drew Warshaw

The Democratic primary for state comptroller is getting so contentious, candidates are fighting over endorsements from an activist most voters would have never even heard of. 

On Wednesday, several activists with groups associated with the Working Families Party signed onto a letter to state WFP committee members in support of Drew Warshaw. The progressive third party will soon make an endorsement decision in the race for state comptroller, with committee members voting on that decision. 

Among the signatories was Evanna Vasquez, a trans activist and member of the group Make the Road. The organization’s political arm has not made a public endorsement, and personal support from Vasquez for any candidate does not reflect the position of Make the Road New York, which has influence over a number of voting WFP state committee members. Vasquez also previously appeared – though was not directly named – in a video in support of Warshaw.

But then on Thursday, another comptroller candidate, Raj Goyle, posted a video with Vasquez on his social media saying he was “honored” to have her support for his campaign. Goyle’s campaign sent the video to City & State after we reported on the WFP letter. The suggestion was that Vasquez in fact did not support Warshaw and in reality backed Goyle. Goyle’s video, since taken down, cited Vasquez’s membership with Make the Road. Goyle is also jockeying for the WFP’s support. 

Reached by phone Friday morning, Vasquez – who only speaks Spanish – told City & State that she still supports Warshaw’s campaign. “No, no, no – I am supporting Drew,” Vasquez said when asked through a translator not directly affiliated with either campaign whether she backs Goyle, adding in Spanish she has “always” supported Warshaw. Vasquez also made clear she does not speak for Make the Road, and is weighing in only as an individual activist.

Goyle’s campaign removed the original video from social media after City & State asked about it. The campaign soon after reposted a slightly edited version that removed reference to Make the Road New York, but still claimed Vasquez’s support as a trans activist. Goyle’s campaign then removed the second video from social media. His X account now features a different post about a trans rights rally he recently attended that does not mention Vasquez.

“We deeply admire Evanna and thank her for all the work she has done for the trans community,” David Alejandro Quesada, Goyle’s campaign manager, said in a statement. “We respect her decision to support Drew in this race, and we will continue to work alongside Evanna as she fights for New Yorkers. We apologize and take responsibility for the miscommunication.”