Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said Scott Stringer will be a champion of the middle class. Credit: Getty Images
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand endorsed Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for city comptroller Monday, his campaign spokesman announced.
“Scott will fight hard for middle class families and has the temperament and judgment to be extraordinarily successful,” Gillibrand said in a statement.
Gillibrand cited his experience as a trustee of the city’s Employee Retirement System in her endorsement, but did not mention Stinger’s main competition in the race, former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.
Less than two weeks after some women’s groups rallied against Spitzer’s campaign, three groups, including the National Organization for Women NYC, NARAL Pro-Choice New York and Planned Parenthood NYC, also endorsed Stringer Monday.
Gillibrand’s endorsement in the city comptroller race comes as a surprise after she has distanced herself from the mayoral primaries.
In May, Gillibrand told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer that she wouldn’t endorse any candidates for mayor until a Democratic nominee was in place.
Because of the number of Democratic candidates, pundits are expecting a runoff election following the Sept. 10 primary, so Democrats may not have a nominee until October, when the runoff is scheduled.
Despite her assertion, Gillibrand voiced some support for City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
“I think Christine Quinn is an excellent candidate,” Gillibrand told Lehrer, adding, “I’m not only her friend, but a big fan.”
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