Bernie Sanders Group Backs Carlos Menchaca In City Council Race

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A group led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is backing City Councilman Carlos Menchaca in his bid for re-election.

"Our Revolution," an organization that sprung up following Sanders' surprise Democratic presidential primary run, endorsed the councilman, who represents Sunset Park and Red Hook, on Friday in his bid for the Democratic nomination.

Menchaca is facing a primary field that includes Assemblyman Felix Ortiz and former councilwoman Sara Gonzalez, who Menchaca defeated in an upset bid to win the seat.

Our Revolution has set up a landing page for Menchaca on its website, with quick links to volunteer and donate money.

"Our Revolution is proud to endorse Carlos Menchaca for New York City Council," Our Revolution President Nina Turner said in a statement. "Carlos has been a powerful advocate for working men and women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community. His commitment to equality and justice for immigrant communities and workers is why Our Revolution supporters will work tirelessly to support his reelection on September 12."

"In the age of Trump, I am proud to have the support of so many progressive leaders championing working families and increasing economic opportunity," Menchaca said in a statement sent to Patch. "There is a clear choice on September 12th, between my positive achievements and the candidates funded and supported by big landlords and developers."

Sanders, originally from Brooklyn, proved to be immensely popular in the borough. His lefty views on universal healthcare and free college tuition helped him carry working class sections of the borough in the presidential primary, including parts of Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights and Red Hook.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)