New York, NY – Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo endorsed Senator Adriano Espaillat (D/WF) in his reelection bid, citing Espaillat’s leadership on housing and tenant issues. The rent laws protecting over 2 million New Yorkers and nearly 1 million units of affordable housing are up for renewal next year; the 31st Senate District represented by Espaillat has more rent stabilized apartments than any other Senate district in New York City or surrounding counties.
In 2011, Senator Espaillat was named the Senate Democratic Conference’s “pointman” on the rent laws. Despite a Republican-controlled Senate, Espaillat and Governor Cuomo were able to secure the first pro-tenant amendments to the Emergency Tenant Protection Act in decades and create the Tenant Protection Unit that has cracked down on landlord harassment and fraud in Upper Manhattan. Espaillat was also endorsed by Tenants PAC in July.
"I am proud to endorse Senator Adriano Espaillat for reelection," said Governor Cuomo. "Senator Espaillat has been a leader on housing and tenant issues and a fierce advocate for his constituents. I hope the voters of the 31st Senate District will join me in supporting Adriano, so we can continue to work together to protect affordable housing for all New Yorkers."
“Over two million New Yorkers are depending on us to renew and strengthen the rent laws next year, and I am thankful for the Governor’s support,” said Senator Adriano Espaillat. “Low-income tenants in our community are spending more than 50% of their income on rent, and rising rents and landlord harassment are driving families from their homes. I am committed to building on the success we accomplished through creating the Tenant Protection Unit before more affordable housing is lost."
Within the past month, Senator Adriano Espaillat has also been endorsed by progressive leaders and organizations, including NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senate Deputy Democratic Conference Leader Mike Gianaris, Assemblyman Denny Farrell, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Council Member Mark Levine, the Working Families Party, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, SEIU 32BJ, Teamsters 237, Mason Tenders District Union, Tenants PAC and Empire State Pride Agenda.