Washington Heights-Inwood Councilman Endorses Bill de Blasio For 2nd Term

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — Seven members of the New York City Council — including Washington Heights and Inwood's representative Ydanis Rodriguez — endorsed Mayor Bill de Blasio's campaign for re-election this weekend.

In his endorsement, Rodriguez praised several of de Blasio's policies, such as an emphasis on community policing and the $15 minimum wage for city employees.

"I am proud to endorse Bill de Blasio in his campaign for reelection because he has shown a real ability to make a positive change in the lives of New Yorkers across the city," Rodriguez said in a statement. "From overseeing a drop in crime to record lows through the use of community policing; to implementing universal pre-k—a game changer for our city's children; to supporting working families through paid sick leave and an increase in the minimum wage for city employees, Bill de Blasio has demonstrated that he is deserving of a second term and I am glad to lend my support."

De Blasio defeated former mayoral nominee Bill Thompson, former city council speaker Christine Quinn and former comptroller John Liu in the 2013 Democratic primary before beating former MTA chairman Joe Lohta in the general election.

As for the 2017 election? The full picture isn't clear yet, as many potential opponents have yet declare whether or not they will run.

Some early challengers have stepped forward including Queens State Senator Tony Avella and former city councilman Sal Albanese, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. In a Democratic stronghold like New York City the winner of a Democratic primary election often takes the general, but Republicans did enjoy 16 recent years of control under former mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.

"I am proud to have the support of these seven strong progressive leaders," de Blasio said in a statement.

"From communities across the City to the Council Chambers, no one works harder or fights more effectively for New Yorkers and working families, and the progress we have made these past three years would have been impossible without their dedication and support. Together, I know we will keep making New York a stronger, fairer city."

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