Hochul secures firefighter unions’ endorsements

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, three major firefighters unions – the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Uniformed Fire Officers Association and New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association – are endorsing Gov. Kathy Hochul for reelection, the governor’s campaign exclusively told City & State. 

“First responders and our families – and every family forever changed by 9/11 – are owed a debt by our leaders in public office,” UFA President Bobby Eustace, UFOA President James Brosi and NYSPFFA President Sam Fresina said in a joint statement. “Just as what we faced can never be forgotten, and the pain it caused never fully healed, those who represent us in government have an obligation to stand up for everyone impacted by this tragedy. Our governor, Kathy Hochul, has done exactly that.” 

The unions also cited Hochul’s revival of the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force and the reforms to Tier 3 and Tier 6 retirement benefits included in this year’s state budget as reasons for their endorsements. 

The governor thanked the unions for their support in a statement.

“On this solemn 25th anniversary of September 11th, we remember and honor the firefighters who gave everything that day and the ones who have gotten sick in the years since,” Hochul said. “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of UFA, UFOA & NYSPFFA, and I look forward to our continued partnership to expand support for the 9/11 community and their families.”

The endorsements are not exactly a surprise. Both the UFA and UFOA endorsed Hochul back in 2022, and the NYSPFFA’s political arm spent plenty of money supporting her, too. Plus, the state AFL-CIO – of which all three unions are affiliates – already endorsed Hochul this cycle (though as the Transport Workers Union has made clear, that doesn’t guarantee member organizations’ backing). Still, it’s a sign of continued, deep labor support for the governor as she looks to secure another term.