Carlos Menchaca Racking Up Endorsements As City Council Race Heats Up

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — City Councilman Carlos Menchaca received endorsements from two powerful unions Tuesday, the latest affirmation for an incumbent in a city council race that is starting to heat up.

The New York City chapter of the Transit Workers Union and the New York region of the United Auto Workers union both threw their support behind Menchaca for re-election. He has also been endorsed by District Council 7, which represents public employees.

Menchaca has been a fierce advocate for union workers during his three-plus years of representing Sunset Park and Red Hook, such as when he successfully helped push for unionization at the Sims recycling facility. He was joined by union leaders when he launched his re-election bid.

Menchaca has also been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler and Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon.

His opponents, though, are gearing up for what could be a competitive race.

As first noted by DNAinfo, Sara Gonzalez, who Menchaca originally unseated to win his race during the last election, raised more than $16,000 from mid-May to mid-July, bringing her total money raised up to $62,500. And Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, who only recently announced his campaign, raised more than $65,000 during that time.

Menchaca has still raised more money than either of his two main challengers, topping out at just under $90,000, campaign finance records show.

And he spent the weekend knocking on doors and making phone calls.

Photos via Marc Torrence, Patch Staff