Eric Dinowitz, a special education public school teacher and candidate for City Council in the 11th District, has been endorsed by Congressman Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat is a New York City progressive, and was both the first formerly undocumented immigrant and first Dominican elected to Congress. Dinowitz had previously been endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers.

 

“I am excited to endorse Eric Dinowitz for City Council. As a special education public school teacher and community activist, Eric has devoted his life to bettering our neighborhoods and empowering others,” said Espaillat via a press release. “He has been a consistent leader upholding progressive values and standing up for working families in our City. I know he will be a fierce fighter for the Northwest Bronx.”

Dinowitz released a statement following the endorsement. “I am proud to have the support of Congressman Adriano Espaillat,” he said. “Throughout his career in public service, Congressman Espaillat has been a strong advocate for the Bronx and delivered for us in Washington. As we work to ensure an equitable recovery for all New Yorkers, our partners at the federal level are critical to getting the aid we need to bring our city back. I look forward to working with Congressman Espaillat to stand up for our values and our neighborhoods.”

 

Dinowitz is a father of twins, Democratic district leader for the 81st Assembly District, and the chair of Bronx Community Board 8’s aging committee. Son of assemblyman for the 81st Assembly District, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Eric grew up in the Northwest Bronx, where he continues to live with his family. Norwood News recently published a profile of Dinowitz’s candidacy.

 

Other candidates in the race include retired NYPD detective, Carlton Berkley. Also running are Eric Dinowitz, environmentalist and tech entrepreneur, Jessica Haller, activist, founder and executive director of the People’s Theatre Project, Mino Lora, adjunct professor and social worker, Abigail Martin, lawyer and Bronx Community Board 8 committee chair, Dan Padernacht, freelance film-maker, Kevin Pazmino, and Bronx Democratic district leader and former CB7 member, Marcos Sierra. Dionel Then dropped out of the race in August, endorsing Padernacht, as he did so.

 

A nonpartisan special election is expected to be called in the spring to replace the District 11 incumbent, Councilman Andrew Cohen, who was recently elected as a judge to the Bronx Supreme Court.