First round of endorsements include Gonzalez for Brooklyn DA & Menchaca and El-Yateem in two Brooklyn City Council districts

Today, the Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY) announced endorsements in three important races. 

MDCNY endorsed:
- Eric Gonzalez for Brooklyn District Attorney
- Carlos Menchaca for City Council (38th District - Red Hook, Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace)
- Khader El-Yateem for City Council (43rd District - Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach)

MDCNY is the first city-wide Muslim American democratic club in the country, dedicated to empowering the Muslim community through political activism. MDCNY supports democratic candidates for electoral offices, highlights issues important to the Muslim community, registers voters, and participates in Get Out the Vote activities across New York City.

MDCNY makes endorsements in select races and helps to engage and activate voters from the Muslim community as well as a cross-section of the Democratic base. In selecting candidates for its first round of endorsements in 2017, the club chose to focus on competitive races where progressive candidates can most benefit from the club’s support and continue to be champions for civil rights and inclusion - principles at the core of MDCNY’s mission.

“We are proud to stand behind progressive leaders who understand that to resist nationally, we must act locally,” said Murad Awawdeh, president of MDCNY. “Eric Gonzlez has demonstrated a deep commitment to criminal justice reform and protecting the rights of Brooklyn residents. Khader El-Yateem has proven he has the values and passion to represent all of us in the City Council and, along the way, make history we can all be proud of. Carlos Menchaca has been a fighter for working people and equal rights for us and deserves to be re-elected so he can continue to stand up for our progressive values.”

“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York,” said interim DA Eric Gonzalez. “Their progressive and independent movement is an important step in protecting the safety and welfare of all of Brooklyn's residents regardless of race, gender or faith. Whether you were born here or abroad, all residents of our diverse borough deserve to feel safe. Together with the Muslim Democratic Club, we will preserve what makes the fabric of modern day New York City so vibrant.”

"With our rights constantly under attack from Trump extremism, I will keep tirelessly fighting against hatred of all kinds, from xenophobia to Islamophobia. That's why I'm so proud to have the strong support of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca. “Our City is an amazing patchwork of diversity, and I will continue to lead the resistance to intolerance as Chair of the Immigration Committee and as a champion of immigrants of all backgrounds."

"I am incredibly proud to be endorsed by MDCNY,” said City Council candidate Khader El-Yateem.  This club is at the forefront of fighting for justice and protecting civil liberties for the Muslim community and all New Yorkers. If elected to the City Council I vow to continue building bridges between communities in order to improve the lives of all residents in my district."  If elected, Khader El-Yateem will become the first Arab American member of the City Council. 

MDCNY will engage voters in each of its endorsed candidates’ districts by door to door canvassing, phone banking, and participating in other activities to get out the vote.