The New York Working Families Party announced on Wednesday, March 6, its endorsement of progressive Democrat, Jonathan Soto, for New York State Assembly in the 82nd District June primary election. The seat is currently held by moderate Democrat, Michael Benedetto, and which encompasses the neighborhoods of Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Westchester Square, City Island, Country Club, and Pelham Bay in the East Bronx.

 

As reported, Soto, who also challenged Benedetto in the Democratic primary two years ago for the same seat, along with Al Quattlebaum, is described by his team as a Puerto Rican interfaith leader, working class parent, and public school advocate. As director for the Bronx Long Term Recovery Group, they said he developed programs to help the Bronx recover from Superstorm Sandy

 

As reported, Soto is a former organizer for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) who endorsed his candidacy last year, and he has also worked in the de Blasio administration. He is trained in law and urban planning.

 

“We’re thrilled to endorse Jonathan Soto for New York State Assembly. As a working-class parent, Jonathan understands the difficult decisions families have to make between paying for child care or making rent,” said Ana María Archila, co-director of the New York Working Families Party. “We know that Jonathan will be a powerful voice for working families in the State Legislature and a champion for public education, affordable housing, and childcare.”

 

Reacting to the endorsement, Soto said, “I’m grateful for WFP’s endorsement and ready to forge the Bronx movement that will build the New York we all deserve.” He added, “We’re done with leaders who put the Bronx last. We’re done with being last in education and health, in employment and affordability. It’s time for us who have been left last to be made first, and our campaign will make sure that The Bronx shall lead the way.”

 

Benedetto has served in the State Assembly since 2005 and is chair of the education committee. He also founded the news publication, The Bronx Times. As reported, together with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (A.D. 83), Benedetto recently spearheaded partial funding of nearly $6 million for Montefiore Einstein for a new pediatric psychiatric unit in the East Bronx to tackle the mental health crisis in the borough among youth.

 

Last week, the NYWFP rolled out endorsements of over 100 State Senate and Assembly candidates.

 

The U.S. presidential primary takes place on April 2. Early voting starts March 23. The primary election for Congress, State, and Party Positions takes place on June 25. Early voting starts June 15. The last day to change party registration was February 14. The last day to register to vote is March 23 for the presidential primary, and June 15 for the local primary. Visit https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote to register to change party affiliation.