Citizens Union Announces Preferences…
Good government group backs Harvey Epstein (CD-2), Vanessa Aronson (CD-4), Elsie Encarnacion (CD-8), Justin Sanchez (CD-14), Erycka Montoya (CD-21), Tyrell Hankerson (CD-28), Dermot Smyth (CD-30), and Maya Kornberg (CD-39). Incumbents Julie Menin, Pierina Sanchez, Alexa Avilés, and Frank Morano also earn Citizens Union’s preference in their respective Council races.
New York, N.Y. (May 28, 2025) – Today, Citizens Union announced its candidate preferences in 12 contested City Council primary races and in the Manhattan Borough President Democratic Primary under New York City’s ranked choice voting system. After undertaking a rigorous evaluation of 37 candidates for 13 offices across all five boroughs, Citizens Union issued its ordered preferences, urging voters to make use of the ranked choice ballots.
“This year’s primary election features a number of open and competitive races for City Council and a closely-watched race for Manhattan Borough President. And as we face a crisis of confidence in City Hall, it is essential that our local representatives strengthen our democracy and usher in a new era of reform in New York. Citizens Union is proud to support this slate of candidates who are committed to fair and open elections and honest and accountable governance,” said John Avlon, Board Chairman of Citizens Union.
This year, Citizens Union’s century-old annual Voters Directory is getting a digital facelift – it will appear only in web format and will be renamed the “Voters Guide.”
Even as some national and local media outlets have stopped issuing endorsements in elections, Citizens Union remains steadfast in our commitment to provide voters with clear, nonpartisan information to make informed decisions at the ballot box. Citizens Union will issue its preferences in the citywide races for Mayor and Comptroller next week.
Support for Citizens Union’s reform agenda is the primary criterion used in deciding whether to support a candidate. Other criteria considered in evaluating candidates and campaigns:
A record of ethical integrity;
Commitment and ability to advance CU’s goals, if elected;
For incumbents: demonstrated support for CU’s issues while in office;
Evidence of ability to wage an effective and competitive campaign;
Reliance on small-donor, local financing of the campaign;
Candidates’ grasp of issues specific to the race’s jurisdiction, and whether they propose thoughtful solutions to represent constituents’ interests.
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In the race for Council District 39 (Brooklyn), Citizens Union prefers Maya Kornberg. She has spent her career researching ways to make democracy healthier, improve legislative processes, and reduce the role of big money in politics.
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