ALBANY — With the race for New York governor beginning to take shape, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said our union evaluates every candidate – regardless of party – based on their record and willingness to stand with hardworking New Yorkers.
“Our next governor must be someone who values public service and understands the challenges facing the people who keep our state running,” said Sullivan. “We’re looking for real leadership that puts workers first, not politics.”
Sullivan said that means defending collective bargaining, expanding workplace safety protections, preserving retirement security, and investing in essential public services such as health care, education and transportation.
CSEA is expressing major concerns to members about U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s recent bid to run for Governor of New York, citing her repeated opposition to the priorities of working people.
“Congresswoman Stefanik has had years to engage with CSEA and fight for our members in Washington – she’s done neither,” said Sullivan. “For someone running for governor, her lack of engagement with workers who provide essential public services across New York is deeply concerning.”
The North Country Republican’s career in public service began in 2006, when she worked in President George W. Bush’s administration, serving in the Chief of Staff’s office and on the Domestic Policy Council. She represents New York’s 21st Congressional District. Stefanik was first elected in 2014 at age 30, at the time the youngest woman ever elected to the House of Representatives.
Stefanik recently launched her bid for governor by releasing a two-and-a-half-minute ad on social media, which didn’t feature an actual announcement from the congresswoman herself. The video featured attacks on Gov. Kathy Hochul, recycled portions of news broadcasts and a soundbite from Stefanik during a past appearance on Fox News.
During her time in Congress, Stefanik has aligned with efforts to weaken collective bargaining rights, reduce federal labor protections and roll back public employee pension safeguards. Her remarks in Washington have often framed large unions as “ideological enforcement arms,” language that undermines the vital role organized labor plays in protecting workers.
Stefanik has said she was “proud” to support the federal reconciliation bill, which will cost New York more than $15.4 billion annually. The legislation is expected to have other devastating impacts, including stripping health insurance from 1.5 million New Yorkers, reducing or eliminating SNAP benefits for more than 1 million residents, and eliminating roughly 215,000 jobs statewide.
Sullivan said the union will continue to call out candidates and policies that threaten workers’ rights, wages and retirement security.
“New York’s working people deserve leadership that strengthens – not undermines – the labor movement,” said Sullivan. “We’re troubled by politicians who have consistently opposed protections for working families or ignored the voices of public employees who keep our state running.”
— Spencer Conlin