CSEA Announces Statewide Endorsements

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2026) (readMedia)-- The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) today announced its endorsement of Gov. Kathy Hochul, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James for re-election.

"These endorsements reflect CSEA's support for leaders who consistently work with labor," said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. "CSEA looks forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen New York's workforce and build a more stable and affordable future for all."

At a time when public employees across the country face growing threats to pensions, collective bargaining rights and workplace protections, New York has taken a different path. From child care, to health care, to public safety, to retirement security, Governor Hochul has delivered positive results. She strengthened pensions, improved worker safety and invested in services by working with labor.

"Governor Hochul is a proven leader who understands that services New Yorkers rely on depend on a strong workforce," said Sullivan. "Her leadership has delivered real results for working people, retirees and the communities we serve."

"Workers keep this state moving, and I'm grateful to my friend, Mary Sullivan, and the men and women of the Civil Service Employees Association for their commitment to fighting for workers and making their voices heard in this election," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "I'm proud to stand with CSEA in their fight for fair pay, a safe workplace, and a government that always works for working people. From creating good-paying union jobs to making New York more affordable for the families that need it most, we've shown this state what's possible when government and labor work as partners. I'm honored to have CSEA's support in this race and look forward to deepening our partnership as we continue fighting for New Yorkers."

"Governor Hochul understands what it means to protect us," said CSEA Executive Vice President Richard Bebo, a former New York State Department of Transportation Local President. "Working in work zones on our highways is dangerous work and speeding motorists led to severe injuries and even death in many instances. Governor Hochul stepped in and used her power to greatly expand the use of cameras to slow down motorists and keep us safe. Because of her, there are cameras in even more work zones throughout the state."

"Public safety has to come first,"?said CSEA Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo, a?Greene County Probation Officer.?"From cracking down on illegal ghost guns to making common-sense changes to bail reform, Governor Hochul has taken action to protect law enforcement, families, and our communities."

"Governor Hochul has worked to strengthen local government services by expanding direct funding and delivering real resources to the communities that rely on them," said CSEA Statewide Treasurer Nicole Meeks, a City of Syracuse employee. "As someone who has worked in local government, I know these services are often the first place New Yorkers turn for help. The Governor understands that when local governments are strong, residents get the services they need, jobs are protected, and communities enjoy a higher quality of life."

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has served in the office since 2007, overseeing the public pension of more than 250,000 CSEA members and retirees. During his tenure, he has guided the pension system through economic uncertainty while maintaining strong returns through sound investments.

"CSEA is proud to endorse Comptroller Tom DiNapoli because he has always protected the retirement security of public employees, provided strong fiscal oversight, and stood with our union and our members," said Sullivan. "Tom DiNapoli has been a trusted partner and a friend to CSEA throughout his time in office."

"This endorsement from CSEA is a very special one, because I know what it means to live in a family that depends on a union wage and pension. So it's an honor to earn the support of so many civil servants who face that same reality, and to have their trust in protecting their retirements," said New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. "Sound fiscal stewardship of our pension fund guarantees a fair and dignified retirement for public servants. While other candidates are campaigning on schemes that would gamble our retirements away on risky proposals, I remain steadfast in my commitment to CSEA's 250,000 members and every single state and local government employee."

Attorney General Letitia James has built a strong record of advancing workers' rights and enforcing labor protections while pursuing accountability and justice for New Yorkers. Her leadership aligns with the core values shared by CSEA and its members.

"Attorney General Letitia James has stood with working families and used the power of her office to hold powerful interests accountable and ensure fairness for New Yorkers," said Sullivan.

"I am honored to have the support of CSEA as your Attorney General. CSEA employees keep New York strong, from our state government to our local school districts and child care providers. I'm proud to stand with them in this election," said ?Attorney General Letitia James.

About CSEA:

The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is one of the largest and most influential unions in New York and the United States. CSEA has about 250,000 members and represents state, county, municipal, school district, child care, and private sector employees. Formed in 1910, CSEA has improved the lives of hardworking New Yorkers for more than 100 years, and is the largest affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). For more information, visit cseany.org.