New York’s primary elections are quickly approaching. Unfortunately, these elections do not receive as much attention as the general election in November.
As a result, important primary races are often decided by a small number of voters, meaning every vote carries even more weight. When turnout is low, CSEA members can have an even greater impact on who represents working people.
That is especially true this June 23, when the future of our pensions is on the ballot as Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli faces a Democratic primary challenge. CSEA members know and trust DiNapoli’s leadership because he has protected and grown the pension fund through sound financial decisions — not political games.
While it is too late to change party enrollment to Democrat, all members can still help by volunteering for the campaign at cseany.org/DiNapoli.
While ensuring DiNapoli wins on June 23 remains CSEA’s top priority, there are several additional endorsed candidates in key races across the state. Members can find the full list of endorsements at cseany.org/vote. Here are just a few priority races where members are helping elect candidates who support the work we do.
In Queens, Metropolitan Region members are focused on helping re-elect State Sen. Jessica Ramos. As chair of the Senate Labor Committee, Ramos holds a key position that helps CSEA fight for job protections, job security and safe workplaces. She has been a strong ally to labor, an advocate for Tier 6 reform, and a consistent supporter of CSEA members and the issues affecting them. With a tough primary challenger, this is expected to be a close and competitive race.
With Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo not seeking re-election, a competitive Democratic primary has emerged in Assembly District 123, which includes parts of Broome County. CSEA has endorsed Dan Livingston in the race. As a member of the Binghamton City Council, Livingston played an essential role in helping save the Binghamton- Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Facility, and CSEA members there have built a strong relationship that they hope to continue in the Assembly.
Mark Johns is a candidate in the Republican primary for the open Assembly District 130 seat, which includes the Town of Webster and all of Wayne County. He is a former 30-year CSEA member with a long history of public service in the labor community, punctuated by his vote against Tier 6 in 2013. The seat is currently open following the departure of the incumbent, setting up a contested primary in the district.
CSEA has endorsed Jon Rivera in the Democratic primary for Senate District 61, which comprises the west side of the City of Buffalo, as well as Tonawanda, Amherst, and Grand Island. Elected to the Assembly in 2020, Rivera has received CSEA’s endorsement each year he’s run due to his advocacy for workers, including sponsoring a bill to cap caseloads for foster care workers. His top priorities are reforming Tier 6, protecting our safety net hospitals, and keeping our members safe in their workplaces.
CSEA is involved in elections because the decisions made by elected officials directly impact members’ jobs, contracts and workplaces. Whether it’s fighting privatization, protecting state services or ensuring fair contract negotiations, CSEA’s member-driven endorsement process supports candidates who will stand up for members and the communities they serve.
Make sure your voice is heard — vote!
— Bryan Miller
Are you registered to vote?
To vote in the June 23 primary, you must be registered with a political party. While it is too late to change your party enrollment for this year’s primary, eligible voters can still register to vote through June 13 and participate in the election. Please make sure to check your registration status at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or register at elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process before the deadline.
Important Dates to Know:
June 8 — Deadline to change your address for the primary
June 13 — Last day to register to vote
June 13–21 — Early voting period
June 22 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot
June 23 — Primary Election Day and final day to submit mail-in ballots