Justin Brannan, a current New York City Council member running for comptroller, has gained the support of Harlem Councilmember Yusef Salaam.
The comptroller’s race has become somewhat of a proxy battle for Upper Manhattan power brokers. Salaam’s endorsement follows that of Keith Wright, the leader of the Manhattan Democratic Party. Wright supported Salaam’s run for City Council, traveling to Georgia, where Salaam — a member of the “Central Park Five” — was previously living to recruit him for the campaign.
Meanwhile, Rep. Adriano Espaillat has thrown his weight behind Mark Levine, the Manhattan borough president who is running against Brannan.
“Justin Brannan understands the intersection of justice and budgets. He knows that how we spend our money reflects our values — and he always puts working people first,” Salaam said in a statement. “I’m endorsing Justin today because I trust him to safeguard our city’s budget.”
Brannan is the Council’s powerful finance chair and has been representing southwest Brooklyn since 2018.
