NEW YORK, NY – Former District 1 City Council Member Margaret Chin announced that she will back District Leader Mariama James in the upcoming Democratic primary for State Assembly in the 65th District.

“I’m proud to endorse Mariama James for State Assembly because she’s the only candidate in the race with a track record of delivering results for Lower Manhattan,” Ms. Chin said. “While I was on the City Council, I saw firsthand how Mariama fought tirelessly to secure healthcare for 9/11 survivors and responders and their families. I’m with Mariama because we need a representative in Albany who knows how to get things done for all communities.”

Ms. Chin, who served on the City Council from 2010 through 2021, is the third former District 1 Council Member to endorse Ms. James, who received the backing of Ms. Chin’s two immediate predecessors – Kathryn Freed (in office 1992-2001) and Alan Gerson (in office 2002-2009) – in early March.

“I'm supporting Mariama because I've seen her work hard on so many local issues,” said Ms. Freed, who later served as a State Supreme Court Justice, on March 3rd. “She always puts community first. She’s been a positive force downtown and I'm confident she will continue to fight for all of Lower Manhattan in the Assembly.”

“Now more than ever, we need to elect the most qualified and dedicated candidates to represent us. Mariama James is that candidate in the 65th Assembly District, without question,” said Mr. Gerson on March 4th. “I have seen Mariama for decades provide effective leadership where we have needed it: as a parent association officer, improving public schools; as a housing advocate, preserving and expanding affordable housing; as a 9/11 health leader, securing free health care for 9/11 victims and improved health clinics for everyone; and as a community board member, achieving quieter neighborhoods, expanded parks, senior centers and a better quality of life.”

Ms. James made a brief statement recognizing the importance of Ms. Chin’s endorsement. “I’m honored to have the support of the previous three City Council Members from District 1,” she said. “Together, they have 30 years of legislative experience. As a lifelong resident of Lower Manhattan, that means these three have been my representatives for over half my lifetime. They have often disagreed on political issues – which only makes it more meaningful that they all agree that I’m the best candidate to represent the 65th Assembly District in Albany.”

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