The Big Apple’s influential fire officers union threw its support behind Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine for city comptroller Sunday – splitting from another powerful FDNY labor group that has backed his Democratic opponent in the race.
The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) said Levine’s experience gave him the edge over Councilman Justin Brannan, leading up to June’s primary between the two.
“Mark Levine’s track record of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and advocacy for first responders makes him uniquely qualified to oversee the city’s finances as Comptroller,” UFOA president James Brosi, an FDNY deputy chief, said in a statement.
“His deep understanding of the challenges faced by our members and his proven ability to implement effective solutions are exactly what New York City needs in its next fiscal steward.”
The support for Levine comes a month after the Uniformed Firefighters Association, which is made up of 20,000 members, endorsed Brannan in the comptroller’s race.
The dueling endorsements are critical because the comptroller’s office oversees city workers’ pension funds as part of its role as the Big Apple’s fiscal watchdog.
Levine, who has been Manhattan borough president since 2022, touted the endorsement in a statement Sunday, saying he was “incredibly honored” to have the backing of the UFOA, which is made up of more than 7,500 members.
“These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect New Yorkers. As Comptroller, I’ll fight just as hard for them as they fight for us – that means standing up for the resources and protections they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Levine said in a statement to The Post.
Brannan and Levine are each hoping to replace current Comptroller Brad Lander, who is passing up the chance at reelection to instead run for mayor in a crowded primary.
The primary is set for June 24.
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