Manhattan Democratic Party leader supports Justin Brannan’s candidacy for comptroller.

In a significant political development in New York City, Keith Wright, the prominent leader of the Manhattan Democratic Party, has endorsed Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan in his bid for the position of city comptroller for the 2025 election. This endorsement poses a challenge to Mark Levine, the current Manhattan borough president, who is also vying for the role.

Wright, who has held the position of Manhattan Democratic Party chair since 2009 and previously served as an assemblyman from Harlem, expressed his strong support for Brannan on Wednesday, stating that it is unusual for him to endorse a candidate with such enthusiasm and without reservation. He underscored Brannan’s extensive knowledge of the city’s budget and his capacity to advocate for residents effectively, stating that this makes Brannan uniquely qualified for the role of comptroller.

Supporting Wright’s endorsement, state Senator Robert Jackson of uptown Manhattan commended Brannan as a “tireless advocate” for key issues like education and housing. This backing from both Wright and Jackson solidifies Brannan’s position as a serious contender in the comptroller race.

Prior to this recent endorsement, Wright and Jackson had previously supported state Senator Kevin Parker for the comptroller’s position. However, Parker’s campaign has struggled with dwindling fundraising efforts, prompting Wright and Jackson to shift their support to Brannan.

Levine, who has served as Manhattan borough president since 2022 and has represented a portion of Manhattan in the City Council for eight years, is not without his own advantages. He has garnered a range of notable endorsements, including support from Congressman Adriano Espaillat, a significant political figure in the area and a longtime opponent of Wright. As it stands, Levine currently leads Brannan in fundraising efforts ahead of the Democratic primary election scheduled for June 24.

As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how this endorsement will impact the dynamics of the race and the candidates’ prospects ahead of the primary. The comptroller position, essential for overseeing the city’s finances, will attract notable attention as candidates navigate their campaigns and engagement with the electorate.

This endorsement marks a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the upcoming election, and Brannan will work to leverage this support as he competes against Levine, amid a complex political landscape in New York City.

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