Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has endorsed Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs for reelection in the upcoming June primary, amNewYork Metro has learned.
Representing East Harlem and Randall’s Island as well as sections of the Upper East Side and Central Harlem, Gibbs became the first formerly-incarcerated individual elected to the Assembly, in a January special election. He’s known for championing the rights of incarcerated individuals and the undomiciled – something which Gillibrand made note of when deciding to endorse him.
“I am proud to join the growing coalition supporting Eddie Gibbs’ reelection campaign,” Gillibrand said. “Eddie always stands up for his district and its most vulnerable residents: seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and underserved children. Just like Eddie turned his life around, I know he will help turn New York around as we rebuild stronger than ever after the pandemic.”
Gibbs reportedly won 80% of the vote after the seat was vacated by Robert Rodriguez, who accepted the position of secretary of state for Governor Kathy Hochul. Gillibrand cites Gibbs’ ability to overcome his past along with his current policy focusing on vulnerable members of the community as primary motivations for her endorsement.
Some of Gibbs’ most recent policies include supporting the Clean Slate Act, which would seal conviction records so that those who served their time have a fair opportunity to start again, and Elder Parole would require the State Board of Parole system to evaluate incarcerated individuals who are 55 years or older and have served 15 or more years.
Gibbs happily accepted the endorsement, returning the complements.
“I am excited to welcome Senator Gillibrand to the diverse coalition behind my reelection campaign,” Gibbs said. “Senator Gillibrand is a powerhouse who has been fighting hard for us in Washington for years. New Yorkers trust her, which is why I am honored that she trusts me to serve in the Assembly. I look forward to continuing our work together to build the more equitable, healthy, safe, and just New York that our constituents deserve.”
This marks Gibbs’ third endorsement this week, the first of which came from DC 37, New York’s largest public employee union and the second was from Assemblymember Harvey Epstein.
