City Council Speaker Endorses Uptown State Assembly Candidate

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — New York State Assembly primary elections are less than a month away, and the challenger in the 72nd District — representing Uptown — picked up a major endorsement Tuesday.

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has pledged her support for Carmen De La Rosa, the former chief of staff for Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, according to a press release.

"Carmen De La Rosa has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her career at the council, leading to major legislative accomplishments," Mark-Viverito said in a press release. "We need more women of color in positions of leadership and I can think of few more capable than Carmen. Her experience, energy and fresh perspective will benefit upper Manhattan residents tremendously and I am proud to endorse her candidacy for [New York State] Assembly."

Mark-Viverito, who represents East Harlem, is the third member of the City Council to endorse De La Rosa. She's also picked up the endorsements of her former boss Rodriguez and Councilman Mark Levine.

"The support of such an inspirational leader as Speaker Mark-Viverito means a great deal to me," De La Rosa said in the press release. "This campaign is about lifting up the voices of women both uptown and across the state, as we fight for equal pay, working mothers and stronger education for our girls. Melissa has been a champion for women on these and so many other issues and I will continue her efforts in Albany."

De La Rosa is challenging incumbent Guillermo Linares for the 72nd District. One other candidate, George Fernandez, is also running for the seat. The primary election on September 13th will determine who ultimately serves in the seat, as no Republicans have filed to run, according to Ballotpedia.

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