By MIKE LEE

Hard-fought campaigns, a significant victory for a Brooklyn City Council member, and an upset in the Bronx were the key storylines of the New York City General Elections on Nov. 7.

In the thick of it were DC 37’s election Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs), known for decades as the “Green Machine,” who fanned out across the city to push for the union’s endorsed candidates.

Labor Strong, a coalition of the City’s most powerful labor unions comprised of DC 37, the Hotel Trades Council, SEIU 32BJ, the New York State Nurses Association, and Communications Workers of America District 1, played a decisive role two years ago in electing the most progressive City Council in New York City history.

This year, Labor Strong was critical in changing the political landscape in Brooklyn’s 42nd District, where community advocate Chris Banks soared to victory in the Democratic Primary Election against incumbent Council Member Charles Barron.

In all but one district, the coalition’s efforts secured wins for several DC 37-endorsed candidates during the general election.

DC 37’s Political Action team worked diligently to spread the union message. From phone banks to door-to-door visits with union members and potential voters, an army of committed volunteers and staffers pushed firmly to help progressive candidates in several of the City’s boroughs.

In South Brooklyn, Susan Zhuang faced challenges from Republican Ying Tan and Conservative Party candidate Vito LaBella in the redrawn 43rd District, which covers Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, and Gravesend.

Zhuang, a community activist and Chief of Staff for State Assembly Member William Colton, faced a tight and contentious election but won convincingly over her opponents thanks in part to the push from DC 37.
In Queens, Labor Strong was critical in helping incumbent Sandra Ung win District 20 in Flushing, Queens.

Despite a strong effort, DC 37 ally Marjorie Velázquez was defeated in her reelection bid by Republican Kristy Marmorato. Though a relatively close race, six points separated the two in the 13th District, which covers most of Eastern Bronx.

The defeat was attributed to her support of the rezoning of a section of Bruckner Boulevard to provide low-cost housing that would have created union jobs and opportunities to help ease the city’s housing crisis. Marmorato strongly opposed the project, making it a central part of her campaign.

Both union-backed ballot proposals overwhelmingly won support. Proposal 1 removes debt limitations for school districts in smaller cities, enabling them to expand educational services for students and to develop additional projects.

Proposal 2 extends debt limit exclusions for 10 years in smaller communities involving the construction of sewage facilities. This opens the door for needed infrastructure improvements, and modernization in these communities.

“We sent a message during this election that working families’ priorities are New Yorkers’ priorities,” said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido. “We look forward to working with the City Council to tackle challenges in the budget and push forward equitable solutions for our communities.”