Nurses Union Announces Congressional Endorsements

Calling a more progressive Congress the “first step toward the passage of necessary legislation to address … ongoing crises in our state,” the New York State Nurses Association today endorsed 24 Democratic congressional candidates for the upcoming general election.

The union, which represents more than 37,000 registered nurses, has joined community, faith and advocacy groups to fight against hospital cuts and closures in underserved communities.

“Many of these individuals have stood with us to prevent the for-profit takeover of healthcare, support safe staffing ratio legislation and protect workers’ rights,” Pat Kane, NYSNA’s treasurer and a registered nurse at a Staten Island hospital, said in a statement. “Others have demonstrated a commitment to embrace NYSNA’s agenda, not only around healthcare, but to address the tragedy of income inequality.”

The union did not endorse a candidate in the 2nd, 22nd or 27th congressional districts. In the 2nd congressional district, Democrat Patricia Maher is running against incumbent Republican Rep. Peter King, who looks likely to be reelected—as does Republican Rep. Chris Collins, who is being challenged by Democrat James O’Donnell in the 27th CD. Republican U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna is running unopposed in the 22nd congressional district.

“Given the current state of healthcare in New York, this legislative session may prove to be crucial in the fight for access to quality care for all New Yorkers—from Buffalo to Brooklyn,” Kane said in a statement.

The candidates NYSNA endorsed by district: