Four Freedoms Democratic Club has voted to endorse Brooklyn-based City Council Member Jumaane Williams in the February 26 special election for New York City Public Advocate.

Club members voted after hearing from 13 of the candidates for office at a forum organized by FFDC and several other East Side clubs, held last night at the New York New Church.

“Our members pride themselves on FFDC’s reputation as a group of progressive activists and organizers. None of the candidates better reflect that spirit than Jumaane Williams does,” said Bridget Cusick, FFDC president. “We’ll be working hard over the next seven weeks to give him a strong grassroots presence in Yorkville and Roosevelt Island, and we look forward to working with him to make our city better when he wins in February."

"I'm honored to be endorsed by the Four Freedoms Democratic Club, which has a proven track record of advocating for grassroots, progressive campaigns," said Jumaane. "As an activist elected official who has long fought for equity and justice for all, I look forward to working with members of the club to ensure our people-powered campaign to be New York's next Public Advocate continues to grow in the weeks ahead."

Public advocate is a citywide elected position and first in line to succeed the mayor, should he or she vacate the office. The current vacancy was created when Letitia James, elected public advocate in 2013 and again in 2017, became attorney general. The public advocate acts as a link between citizens and city government and functions as a watchdog. The public advocate may also introduce legislation in the City Council.