Press Release

ASTORIA, N.Y. – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced his campaign for re-election in the new 12^th state Senate district.

“Working with our communities, we have made incredible progress – including strong tenant laws, fully funding our schools, protecting Roe vs. Wade in our state, and stopping another toxic fossil fuel plant from setting up shop on the East River waterfront,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “While we have achieved great success, there is more work to do – and I am eager to continue this fight together with my community. I am humbled and honored to seek another term in the State Senate with their support.”

Senator Gianaris serves as Deputy Leader of the New York State Senate where he represents the 12^th District. In addition to establishing the strongest tenant protection laws in history, fully funding New York’s schools, codifying Roe vs. Wade, and stopping the NRG power plant, he has wrote the law establishing nation-leading workplace safety laws during Covid-19 and was instrumental in granting small businesses $1 billion in pandemic relief funds.

Senator Gianaris’ campaign is supported by a wide group of New York leaders and progressive organizations, including the New York State Working Families Party, NYIC ACTION, the Four Freedoms Democratic Club, the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, the Council of School Supervisors, East River Democratic Club, Tenants PAC, and Churches United for Fair Housing Action, the League of Conservation Voters, and Make the Road Action


Allen Roskoff, President of Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and Co-Author of the Nation’s First Gay Rights Bill said, “State Senator Michael Gianaris is one of the most intelligent, productive and caring members of the New York State Senate. Besides bringing home the resources our communities need to survive and thrive, he is a champion of the elderly, immigrants, tenants and homeowners. He is in the vanguard of fighting for a woman’s reproductive rights and has been a champion to the LGBTQ community. Mike has lead the way for a more equitable criminal justice system that for far too long was about race and racism. Michael Gianaris represents the true progressive values we as a community cherish.”

Sochie Nnaemeka, Director of the New York Working Families Party ,said “We’re proud to endorse Senator Mike Gianaris for reelection. As Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Gianaris has championed bold progressive legislation, stood up to corporate power, worked to strengthen voter rights, and balanced the scales of justice in New York. Our party looks forward to working alongside the Senator to ensure that everyone in our state can truly thrive."

Jill Eisner, President of the East River Democratic Club said,“East River Democratic Club is happy to welcome Senator Gianaris to Roosevelt Island and Yorkville and proud to endorse him in his re-election. We look forward to working with him in the future to the benefit of our shared community.”

Mark Cannizzaro, President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators said, "Senator Gianaris has been a consistent ally and advocate for school communities and we appreciate his support. The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators is proud to endorse him for re-election so we may continue as successful partners in the future."

Whitney Hu, Political Director for Churches United for Fair Housing Action said, “From Cancel Rent to Bail Reform, Senator Mike Gianaris consistently works to better the lives of everyday working-class New Yorkers. He has boldly stood behind progressive issues and a tried and true housing justice champion. CUFFH Action is proud to support his re-election campaign.”

Mike McKee, Treasurer for TenantsPAC said, “Tenants PAC is proud to endorse State Senator Mike Gianaris for re-election. As Deputy Majority Leader, he has helped us win crucial new laws to protect tenants and preserve our stock of affordable housing. Mike Gianaris has earned our support.”

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action said, “Senator Gianaris has delivered the leadership and results that Queens immigrant communities deserved but were long-denied. During his time as Deputy Majority Leader, he has proven to be a powerful champion for immigrants of all statuses and refugees. NYIC Action is proud to endorse him and send him back to Albany. With immigration reform seemingly halted at the Federal level, we need elected leaders like Mike Gianaris who will do all they can to make NY a place where everyone can thrive no matter where they are from."

Jerry Ferguson, President of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club said, “Senator Gianaris has championed progressive issues that matter to all New Yorkers, from quality affordable housing to protecting reproductive choice to helping our small businesses recover from the pandemic. We are excited to welcome him to the East Side and Roosevelt Island and are excited to be supporting his re-election.”

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters said, “Senator Gianaris has fought to get the lead out of drinking water in our schools and parks, and to move off fossil fuels and to clean energy in New York City. He's been a champion of the environment and public health, pushing for legislation that has had lasting positive impacts for residents in his district and across the state. NYLCV is proud to endorse the Senator and look ahead to more progress in the next session.”

Theo Oshiro, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road Action said, “Senator Gianaris has worked closely with our members to meet our communities’ needs. We’re proud to support his re-election and look forward to continue working together for respect and dignity for all.”