This UWS Primary Election Is Heating Up

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — During primary election season, endorsements are the name of the game, and on the Upper West Side, City Council District 7 Democratic candidates Shaun Abreu and Edafe Okporo are both stacking them up.

In the latest development, Attorney General Letitia James has officially endorsed Abreu, the incumbent candidate said on Monday.

The district includes portions of the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, Manhattan Valley, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights.

The primary election for New York City's 51 council members is on June 24.

"To have [James's] trust and support in my reelection is both an honor and a responsibility," Abreu told Patch. "Together, we’ll continue the fight to protect our city from the harm that Donald Trump seeks to bring, defend immigrants, and ensure our most vulnerable are never left behind."

In addition to James, the incumbent is endorsed by Rep. Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, and Assemblymember Micah Lasher.

As of Jan. 15, Abreu has raised $101,495 in private funds for his campaign, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

Learn more about Abreu's platform and campaign here.

Okporo has been collecting endorsements, too. Most recently, Okporo has been endorsed by the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults in the city who have worked for the government.

"Our campaign is about ensuring middle-class families can afford to stay in their homes, guaranteeing retirees the healthcare they deserve, and making our neighborhoods safer without criminalizing poverty," Okporo told Patch. "I’m honored to have the support of NYC retirees who have spent their lives building this city and deserve leadership that stands with them."

Okporo has also been endorsed by former Assembly District 69 candidate Eli Northrup and former candidate for Council District 7 Marti Allen-Cummings.

As of Jan. 15, Okporo has raised $35,861, in private funds, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Learn more about Okporo's platform and campaign here.

Two other candidates, Tiffany Khan and Gordon Springs, are also running to represent Council District 7, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

As of Jan. 15, Khan has raised $4,246 in private funds, and Springs hadn't raised any money as of Jan. 15, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

However, there does not seem to be any trace of active campaigns online from either candidate yet. This article will be updated when the candidates roll out their platforms.

This is a developing story and may be updated. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.