The Working Families Party endorsed Cynthia Nixon for governor and Jumaane Williams for lieutenant governor, rejecting its 2014 path of political accommodation and instead supporting Nixon and Williams over Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. The 2014 endorsements were contentious, with a pragmatic view of the utility of supporting Cuomo’s reelection overcoming the ideological kinship many in the party had with Zephyr Teachout and Tim Wu. Several large unions have left the WFP since then however, with 32BJ and CWA withdrawing just ahead of the Nixon endorsement.
The endorsements do not formally give Nixon and Williams the WFP’s nomination, but they did clearly express the overall view of the party. Nixon and Williams are expected to be formally designated at the WFP’s May 19th convention and, unless any other prospective candidate successfully petitions onto the primary ballot, become the WFP’s nominees.
Video:
Williams Acceptance Speech:
Nixon Acceptance Speech:
Press Q&A:
Photo Gallery:
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