New York City Councilman Justin Brannan is running for the role of comptroller in the upcoming primary election scheduled for June 24. A native of Bay Ridge, Brannan has served on the city council since 2017, representing the 43rd district and winning a recent election for a newly drawn 47th district. His political journey began as Chief of Staff to City Councilman Vinnie Gentile, and he was actively involved in the rollout of Mayor de Blasio’s universal pre-K initiative.
Throughout his career, Brannan has demonstrated his commitment to community and financial responsibility. He has successfully fought to restore over $1 billion in funding for schools, parks, and libraries. As a candidate for comptroller, he stresses the importance of prioritizing affordability and support for working families in the city budget, leveraging his experience with fiscal management.
In an interview, Brannan outlined his main objectives if elected. First, he would prioritize protecting and growing public pensions by making smart investments and divesting from risky companies. He aims to focus on affordable housing, universal childcare, support for small businesses, and enhancing city services while ensuring strong returns for retirees. Additionally, he plans to confront any federal budget cuts from the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for a more self-reliant city budget and pledging to take legal action if necessary.
Brannan asserts that as comptroller, he would hold the next mayor accountable, ensuring transparency and fairness in budget decisions, particularly for neighborhoods in the outer boroughs. His approach is to stand firm against any threats to city resources and to be an unwavering advocate for New Yorkers.
Brannan’s candidacy is a hopeful one, as he positions himself as a dedicated fighter for New York families, demonstrating his ability to navigate politics while focusing on tangible results for the community. His experience and determination could bring significant positive impact to the role of comptroller.