A powerful political action committee devoted to electing women candidates is backing Maya Wiley in this year’s mayor’s race, the group announced Friday.
Emily’s List Executive Director Emily Cain said the decision to support Wiley is rooted in the former MSNBC commentator’s commitment to confronting inequality.
“Maya is a trailblazer who has dedicated her career to fighting for racial justice and equity,” Cain said. “Maya would bring a bold future for all of New York City as its first woman mayor and a candidate who is focused on the needs of all New Yorkers.”
Wiley, who served as Mayor de Blasio’s legal counsel, has so far received endorsements from 1199 SEIU, the city’s powerful health care workers union, as well as from Reps. Nydia Velázquez and Yvette Clarke.
Recent polling shows she’s stuck in the middle of a pack of candidates that includes Andrew Yang, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, former city Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and former Citi exec Ray McGuire.
The coveted nod from Emily’s List should serve as a boon to Wiley as she seeks to court women voters. Aside from her and Garcia, the field also includes a third female candidate who’s considered viable, Dianne Morales, a former non-profit executive.
Emily’s List, which was founded 36 years ago, is geared toward electing pro-choice Democrats to elected office and has raised about $700 million to support progressive female candidates over the years.
So far, New York City has never elected a woman as its mayor — a reality Wiley, Garcia and Morales are all looking to change.
“After 109 men, it is time for a woman leading New York City. I’m honored to have the support of Emily’s List,” Wiley said. “I am unapologetically Black, unapologetically a woman and I will unapologetically represent the women of New York City.”
Check out our special section for the latest news on the critical 2021 elections in NYC. And to have the essential news and analysis sent to your inbox, sign up for our Campaign Diaries newsletter.
Source (Ny Daily news)