Rockland United, a grassroots advocacy organization in Rockland County, New York, announced today that the group is endorsing NY State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. House of Representatives in NY-17.
The organization’s steering committee released the following statement in support of Sen. Biaggi today:
When the new redistricting lines unexpectedly left an open Congressional seat in Rockland and the rest of CD-17, our Rockland United community determinedly maintained an open mind about how or to support this race. In the few weeks since those lines were announced, we have been impressed by the way that New York State Senator Biaggi has risen to the challenge of showing up and demonstrating her integrity and continued commitment to the Hudson Valley. We have been thrilled to learn more about Senator Biaggi's proven track record as a progressive advocate for many of the issues about which we in Rockland United care so deeply.
Not many elected officials are daring enough to be bold and to bet on decisions or races that are not a "sure thing." But Senator Biaggi was instrumental in defeating the IDC that was blocking critical legislation for all of New York State. She was gutsy enough to take on 14-year incumbent Jeffrey Klein and win. Once in the Senate, she worked on some of the most progessive legislation in decades, helping to make criminal justice reform, women’s reproductive health, and Invest in Our NY legislation a reality.
But more importantly, we think Senator Biaggi speaks to the moment. In light of the decisions coming down from the retrograde Supreme Court, we need more representatives willing to disrupt the status-quo, reject the big corporate money that pollutes the way business is done in Washington and call out the hypocrisy of a Republican party long gone off the rails.
We have seen firsthand how Senator Biaggi can energize a crowd and believe that she can bring out volunteers and voters that will be critical to winning an election year of headwinds. Senator Biaggi can persuade reluctant or infrequent voters that they can make a difference and their voice is heard.
It is for these reasons that Rockland United has decided to endorse Senator Biaggi for Congress in the August 23rd primary election. We are committed to mobilizing our community to help elect her to represent us in CD-17, and we are excited to continue the important work together of realizing progressive policies that change lives.
“I am honored to be endorsed and actively supported by Rockland United, residents of District 17 who have been active progressive leaders for years on issues of abortion rights, gun safety, healthcare and much more. Rockland United understands that with so much at risk, we can no longer afford the status quo. This grassroots support is how I will win no matter how much is spent against me,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.
Rockland United is made up of members of New York's 17th Congressional District united to combat any civil or government actions that threaten our civil rights and protections as outlined in the Constitution of the United States. We are and stand with people of color, LGBTQIA, women, men, immigrants and survivors. We are anti-racist, pro-patriotic, pro-immigrant, inclusive and peaceful. We support efforts aimed at moving our county and country forward and ensuring civil rights are protected for our most vulnerable communities. We do this through daily civic actions and outreach, fundraising to support local organizations and candidates who share our values, and organizing events to raise awareness and build community alliances.
Contact: Paul Diamond
914-420-6562