Mayor Endorses Conrad Tillard Over Jabari Brisport In Bed-Stuy Primary

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — New York City mayor and Bed-Stuy local Eric Adams threw support Monday behind a Brooklyn minister rather than endorse its incumbent state Sen. Jabari Brisport, the candidate announced.

Rev. Conrad Tillard shared on Twitter Monday afternoon Adams' official endorsement in the state Senate District 25 primary race slated for Aug. 23.

"As your next senator, Conrad will work hard to pass laws that ensure that all New Yorkers are safe, and create affordable housing, and good quality schools," Adams' endorsement reads.

"Rev. Conrad Tillard has spent over 30 years fighting for the rights of New Yorkers."

Tillard, an adjunct professor in the City College of New York's Black Studies department at The City College of New York, professed himself to be elated.

"Over the last 30 years, we have marched together for justice, rallied with workers for better wages, and worked to uplift the voices of New Yorkers who are too often forgotten," Tillard wrote.

"I have always admired @NYCMayor’s commitment to the 25th District & look forward to partnering with him here in Brooklyn & in Albany to help bring peace, prosperity & stability to the residents of the 25th District and the neighborhoods they call home.”

This is not the first time Adams has backed a candidate challenging one endorsed, as Brisport is, by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America or the Working Families Party.

In this year's state Senate primary in Astoria, Adams has also backed former Queens Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley over Democratic Socialist organizer Kristen Gonzalez.

"Adams endorsed Liz Crowley over DSA-backed Kristen Gonzalez," City and State political reporter Jeff Coltin tweeted. "And in the June primary, he exclusively endorsed candidates who were facing WFP-backed challengers."

Brisport, a socialist, became the first openly queer person of color elected to New York's state Senate with his 2020 victory, his campaign notes.

The Bed-Stuy-born elected has a host of political endorsements that include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bed-Stuy City Councilmember Chi Ossé and fellow Brooklyn state Sen. Julia Salazar.

Unions that have endorsed Brisport include the United Federation of Teachers, the New York State Nurses Association and United Auto Workers.

Tillard's campaign website does not list endorsements but includes detailed information about his platform, which includes a stance on bail reform that mirror the mayor's own.

"We need to look at the strengths and weaknesses of cash bail reform legislation and be willing to go where the evidence leads us," Tillard states. "Judicial discretion unfortunately doesn’t always deliver on a level playing field."

Brisport, in contrast, stands firm on his support of the 2019 bail reform legislation he argues protects low income New Yorkers facing criminal charges.

"Institutions like cash bail and predatory court fees merely serve as a way to keep milking poor people for money at their lowest moments, and do not promote safety," Brisport's platform states.

"If we believe people truly are innocent until proven guilty, we cannot go backwards. I will continue to fight against attempts to re-institute failed cash bail policies."

Monday's endorsement shows Adams in a mayoral polo shirt shaking hands with Tillard, as both men smile into the camera.

"We have stood side by side to advocate for those who were voiceless," Adams states. "Vote for Rev. Conrad Tillard on August 23rd."