NYC Council Member Makes Endorsement In AD-66 Primary Race

NEW YORK CITY — A prominent City Council member has made an endorsement in the Assembly District 66 primary set for next month.

City Council member Harvey Epstein has endorsed Jeannine Kiely for the June primary. Kiely has served as the Democratic district leader for the 66th Assembly District, Part B, since 2019.

"Jeannine Kiely is an experienced community leader with a strong record of service. Whether it’s fighting to improve public schools and give all students the tools to succeed or meeting the affordability and housing crises head-on, Jeannine has done and will continue to do the right thing for her community,"Epstein said in a statement.

"I know what it takes to serve in Albany and I believe Jeanine has the qualities and skills to be a strong advocate and effective legislator. I am proud to endorse her."

The candidate in March also gained the endorsement from Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

"Council Member Harvey Epstein has been a bold champion for tenant protections, affordable housing and progressive politics throughout his tenure as a public servant," Kiely said in a statement.

"This endorsement speaks not only to the values of our affordable housing and tenant protections-focused campaign, but my record of success for affordability in my own district during my 14 years on Manhattan Community Board 2, including the achievement of 100 percent affordable housing at 388 Hudson Street. "

Kiely also serves as President of Friends of the Elizabeth Street Garden.

Assembly District 66 consists of a number of neighborhoods in Manhattan including Greenwich Village, Tribeca, SoHo, NoHo, as well as portions of Battery Park City and the Meatpacking District.

Assemblywoman Deborah Glick announced last year that she would not seek re-election in 2026. Glick has also endorsed Kiely in the race.

Five other candidates are also vying for the Assembly District seat including Furhan Amad, Corinne Arnold, Ryder Kessler, David Siffert and Ben Yee.

Kiely has also netted endorsements from former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Council Member Christopher Marte, former Council Member Justin Brannan, Downtown Independent Democrats, Coalition for a District Alternative, Village Reform Democratic Club, the 504 Democratic Club and a host of district leaders and state committee members.

The Democratic primary will be held on June 23, 2026.