NY Working Families Party Declares Ballot Threshold Victory

NEW YORK CITY — The New York Working Families Party secured its place on future state ballots after a tense battle that threatened to undercut the progressive party’s influence.

More than 287,000 New Yorkers cast votes for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on the party’s line, according to unofficial state Board of Elections tallies.

The tally puts the party over a newly-imposed 130,000-vote threshold backed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has clashed with the party, the New York Times reported.

“Our campaign to protect the ballot line has only resulted in a stronger, more united progressive movement in New York State,” said Sochie Nnaemeka, NY WFP State Director, in a statement.

New York lets voters cast votes for presidential candidates through the third party ballot lines. The move gives parties like the Working Families Party a political voice in state politics.

De Blasio offered the Working Families Party his congratulations.

“Obviously, a lot is still being looked at, but I want to offer my congratulations to the Working Families Party — an organization I've worked closely with for decades now — a very clear vote of confidence in the Working Families Party in results yesterday and they will continue to be a major progressive presence in the state,” he said.