Menin Backed By Schumer, Gillibrand Ahead Of UES Council Election

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York's two senators are getting behind Julie Menin, the Democratic nominee in the Upper East Side's open City Council race, weeks before the general election where she will face off against a Republican.

Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will endorse Menin on Thursday, according to an announcement shared exclusively with Patch.

"Julie Menin has a dedicated career in public service and her record is unparalleled and pragmatic—Julie gets the job done," said Schumer, the Senate majority leader, in a statement. "She is the perfect candidate to lead Council District 5 and our city as we rebound from the pandemic."

Menin defeated six other Democrats in a hard-fought primary in June to become the nominee to succeed Kallos in District 5, which covers much of the Upper East Side, Roosevelt Island, and parts of East Harlem and Midtown East. (Neighboring Councilmember Keith Powers is unopposed for re-election in District 4.)

Gillibrand, meanwhile, praised Menin's long career in city government, which included heading the Department of Consumer Affairs and leading the 2020 Census outreach.

"I look forward to working with her in the City Council as she will be a great partner in the fight for a stronger and more equitable New York."

While the support from Menin's fellow Democrats is not unexpected, it signals an effort to boost her campaign before the Nov. 2 general election. Menin will face Republican Mark Foley, a businessman who has worked in advertising and finance.

Menin is the heavy favorite, though allies have pointed out that the Upper East Side has a conservative streak compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods.

"It wasn’t that long ago, that [the Upper East Side] was all Republican," U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney said at a campaign kickoff for Menin this month, referring to her own takedown of GOP Councilman Bill Green in 1993.

Menin, in a statement, said she was "honored" to win the two senators' support.

"Our city is facing a crisis right now, and these endorsements from our most senior officials in the federal government show that I am ready to get to work tackling the issues we face on day one," she said.

Previous coverage:

• Menin Likely Winner In UES City Council Race As Rival Concedes
• Upper East Side City Council Race Hangs In Ranked-Choice Balance
• Here's Where The Upper East Side Candidates Stand On Your Issues
• Big Bucks Pour Into Upper East Side Council Race As Primary Nears