The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club members said the club demonstrated its organizing strength during petition season, submitting more than 3,400 Democratic signatures last month on behalf of its endorsed candidates in the upcoming June 24 Democratic Primary.

 

They said the signatures were collected in support of Council Member Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11), Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson , City Comptroller candidate Mark Levine, and Civil Court Judge candidate Sheakeira Algarin.

 

They said nearly one hundred “dedicated” volunteers canvassed neighborhoods across City Council District 11, which covers Norwood, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Van Cortlandt Village, Woodlawn, and Wakefield, knocking on doors and engaging with voters face-to-face.

 

“The Ben Franklin Club members who participated in this extraordinarily productive effort did the hard and often overlooked work of collecting signatures by canvassing outside in freezing weather or by knocking on doors in buildings across the District for hours to make the case for each of our deeply qualified candidates,” said Ben Franklin Club President Virginia Krompinger.

 

She added, “This commitment to the importance of the democratic process and to electing the best leaders for our District is what puts our endorsed Democratic candidates on the ballot every year.”

 

In response to the club’s support, the borough president, who as reported, is being challenged by City Councilman Rafael Salamanca (C.D. 17), said, “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club, whose members showed up in force to collect thousands of signatures during our petitioning process.”

 

She continued, “Our volunteers come from all walks of life, local shop owners, teachers, police officers, artists, and retired civil servants, united by their commitment to electing a leader who truly serves and delivers for The Bronx. I have worked hard to achieve real results for working families, investing in initiatives that drive economic growth, enhance public safety, and build a brighter future for our communities. We have accomplished so much together, and I look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of our residents and families.”

 

For his part, Levine said, “The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club has a long history standing up for New York City and our values, which is why it was an honor campaign with them throughout petition season. I am so grateful to the club leadership and all the members for their willingness to brave the rain or cold to gather signatures to get me on the ballot. They know how to put democracy into action!”

 

Meanwhile, Ben Jackson, Democratic District Leader for the 81st Assembly District, said, “The Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club is as diverse and dynamic as our corner of the Bronx itself, and we bring heart and hustle to campaigning for candidates we believe in.”

 

He added, “Petitioning isn’t just about collecting signatures; it’s how we stay connected to our neighbors and their concerns. The overwhelming support for Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine shows how much our community values their responsive, effective leadership.”

 

The councilman, who, as reported, is being challenged by Danielle Guggenheim, also said he was “incredibly grateful” to the members of the Ben Franklin Club for what he said was their unwavering dedication and energy. “Their commitment to grassroots organizing and their deep, authentic ties within every part of our district are what make this club so special,” Dinowiz said.

 

He added, “The broad and diverse support we saw during petitioning reflects the trust our community places in this movement—and in the values we’re fighting for together. Volunteers showed up in force to collect thousands of signatures during our petitioning process. We have accomplished so much, and I look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of our residents and families.”

 

Members of the the Ben Franklin Club said they singlehandedly gathered enough petition signatures to qualify Dinowitz and Gibson for the ballot, and a significant portion and nearly all of the required signatures for Algarin and Levine, respectively. They said it underscores what they describe as the Club’s unique organizing capacity and deep neighborhood roots.