In an email on Monday calling for an emergency board meeting, the WFP warned that “disappointing progressive turnout could have disastrous consequences for candidates voting in favour.” of the WFP as well as the party’s line and future.”
“I know that some of us have deep policy disagreements with Kathy Hochul – that’s why we endorsed Jumaane in the primary meeting – but the Zeldin administration will completely sabotage the program. our agenda,” Sochie Nnaemeka, party director in New York, wrote in an email, obtained by The New York Times.
Concerns about voter participation have also prompted some labor unions to give a last-minute push to support the governor, through TV spending and digital ad purchases, with multiple goals. target the party’s minority voter base.
Two unions representing teachers — the American Federation of Teachers and an affiliate, the New York State Federation of Teachers, which represent 600,000 teachers in the state — are spending $500,000 on a super PAC, Progressive NYS, to fund a television and online advertising campaign.
Another super PAC, Empire State Forward, is expected to receive at least $400,000 from about half a dozen labor unions to play radio ads targeting Black and Caribbean voters, focusing into public safety and racial equity. (The Hochul campaign also set aside $150,000 worth of advertising dollars, which will begin airing on Fridays on radio stations with large Black audiences.)
Candis Tolliver, political director of one of the unions, 32BJ SEIU, which represents construction services workers, said the adverts were intended to speak to the many members of the union, whom she spoke of. often “super-reliable for Democrats.”
“Ensuring that we turn out to base will be especially important,” she said. “We recognize that there are some voters who are apathetic and fearful that people are staying at home, and so we want to remind people not to stay at home and what is at stake in this election. “
