Democratic State Senate candidate Pete Harckham issued the following statement today after he was endorsed by 32BJ SEIU, one of the largest and most politically active progressive unions in New York State:

“I am honored to be endorsed by 32BJ. They have been successfully fighting for the rights of working people for decades. Now it is more important than ever to stand united with our partners in the labor to fight rollbacks by Trump and extremist Republicans in congress and their allies in Albany.”

Hector Figueroa, President of  32BJ SEIU:

“Right now, more than ever, New York State needs champions of that will fight for workers’ rights. Union members are focused on electing progressive candidates to represent working New Yorkers in Albany. In the face of unprecedented attacks on working families, we are endorsing candidates who will fight for good jobs and help more New Yorkers join and form unions.  Together we will champion legislation to protect immigrant communities, defend voting rights and access, achieve bail reform, and stand up for policies to protect the environment. ”

Thousands of 32BJ SEIU members will get involved in political action this year to remind voters, candidates and elected officials that New York needs unions to build the middle class.