Bed-Stuy Dems Get Endorsement From Influential Political Club

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, NY — Two familiar Bed-Stuy faces racked up key Democratic endorsements as they look toward the state legislature.

Vanguard Independent Democratic Association's leadership on Monday announced they would back Assemblywoman Tremaine S. Wright in a state senate bid. Community advocate Stefani Zinerman received their endorsement to take Wright's house seat.

The endorsements could help push both candidates forward in their respective races. VIDA, a Bed-Stuy political club, carries clout as an African-American in what a release called a "leadership pipeline."

Wright currently holds the 56th Assembly District seat, which represents Bed-Stuy and parts of Crown Heights, but previously served as chair for Community Board 3. She's eyeing a jump to the 25th Senate District, a seat encompassing a vast swath of Brooklyn and currently held by retiring Senator Velmanette Montgomery.

Two other candidates — Jabari Brisport and Jason Salmon — are also vying for Montgomery's seat, the Brooklyn Eagle reported.

Zinerman, a current Montgomery staffer, boasts a long resume rooted in Bed-Stuy and Brooklyn community organizing.

"She’s been a supporter in the community for a very long time," said Tiffany Joy Murchison, a public relations professional who counts herself as a Zinerman supporter.

Zinerman plans to formally announce her candidacy Feb. 6 at Weeksville Heritage Center.