UES Lawmaker Gets Rep. Maloney Endorsement For Borough President

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Longtime New York City Congressmember Carolyn Maloney endorsed Upper East Side City Councilmember Ben Kallos' run for Manhattan borough president in 2021.

Maloney announced the endorsement Friday, becoming the first member of Congress to back one of the candidates running for Manhattan borough president. Maloney and Kallos' districts overlap on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and the two have worked together on initiatives such as the timely construction of the Second Avenue Subway, the repair and expansion of the East River Esplanade and securing additional pre-k seats for the neighborhood.

"It’s about getting things done, and I’ve been proud to work with Council Member Ben Kallos to deliver for the East Side, which is why I am endorsing him to bring the same results to the entire borough as the next Manhattan Borough President," Maloney said in a statement.

Kallos announced his run for borough president in October, touting strong support from labor unions.

Kallos has represented the City Council's Fifth District — which spans much of the Upper East side, Roosevelt Island and small portions of East Harlem and Midtown East — since 2014. Since taking office, Kallos has fought for improvements in his district such as the installation of new trash cans on every corner and the addition of more than 1,000 Pre-K seats. Kallos has also fought for reforms in the City Council, authoring laws to limit outside income for councilmembers and eliminate compensation for leadership and committee posts.

Current Borough President Gale Brewer will be forced to leave the office in 2021 due to term limits. Kallos will also be facing term limits for his City Council seat. In 2013, Kallos upset former State Assemblymember Micah Kellner during a Democratic primary where it was revealed Kellner had sexually harassed staff members.

Upper Manhattan City Councilmember Mark Levine is also running for borough presidents. Levine, who is also facing term limits in the council, announced his run in January by releasing a video where he takes a stand against the construction of super-tall developments for the rich and rising rent prices in the borough. Levine's district includes parts of Harlem, the Upper West Side and Washington Heights.