Rachel May Has Endorsed Our Campaign. Here’s Why It Means So Much to Me.
June 13th 2026
In case you missed it, Rachel May has endorsed our Campaign for New York State Assembly. This endorsement feels extra special because her race was one of the very first I got involved with when I began organizing.
In 2017, I was a member of Uplift Syracuse, and group called True Blue NY. We were fed up with the Independent Democratic Caucus, but specifically here we were fed up with then State Senator Dave Valesky. We called his office, lobbied him, but couldn’t get him to move on early voting, let alone Housing Justice or anything big like the New York Health Act. She took on the establishment in Syracuse and won.
Her victory was the moment I realized electoral politics can be a vehicle for change in our community. Since then she’s been the best state representative for Central New York leading the push to fully fund foundation aid, pass tenant protections, and so many other crucial protections for our finger lakes and our community at large.
“For the first time in a very long time, voters in the 129th Assembly district have a choice on the ballot. My choice is Mo Brown.
It takes courage, energy, and optimism to challenge a long-time incumbent in a primary. I know this from experience, and I admire Mo for stepping forward.
I’m endorsing Mo not only because he was one of the very first people to support me publicly in 2018, but because he has never wavered in his vision for a more active, progressive, transparent, and responsive government and a more equitable and flourishing Central New York. It is evident in his work as a county legislator and in his remarkable success recruiting and training candidates, work that made it possible to flip the Onondaga County Legislature into the blue column and ushered in a new era of openness and citizen input in county government.
We need leadership that embraces new ideas and challenges old assumptions. We need fighters who understand the urgency of this moment: the pace and power of technology, the rapid concentration of wealth in a few hands, the coalescing of violent, antidemocratic forces, the radical shifts in the landscapes of housing, energy, and health care.
I believe Democratic voters understand this and are ready for change. I hope they will bring Mo Brown’s powerful voice into the New York State Assembly.”
Why did Rachel May endorse Maurice Brown over Bill Magnarelli?
Rachel May endorsed Maurice Brown because of his long-standing commitment to progressive values, transparent government, and building a stronger Central New York. The endorsement highlights Brown’s record as an Onondaga County Legislator and his work helping recruit and support candidates across the region.
Why does Rachel May’s endorsement matter?
This endorsement reflects confidence in Maurice Brown’s vision for the future of Central New York. It’s a recognition of his organizing, coalition-building, and legislative work. As the Senior State Senator for Onondaga County her endorsement helps voters understand which leaders and community members believe a candidate is best positioned to deliver results.
Why are supporters calling for new leadership?
Supporters of Maurice Brown argue that Central New York is facing major changes in housing, technology, energy, and affordability that require new ideas, urgency, and leadership willing to challenge the status quo.
Why does Maurice Brown talk about generational change in relation to Bill Magnarelli?
Maurice Brown has argued that politics should intentionally develop and elevate newer leadership rather than relying indefinitely on the same generation of elected officials. Brown believes voters are looking for leaders prepared to meet today’s challenges with new ideas and urgency.