NYS Assemblymember Danny O'Donnell endorses Jordan Lesser

Jordan Lesser


ITHACA, N.Y.— New York State Assemblymember for the 69th District and the prime sponsor of legislation to repeal Section 50a, Danny O’Donnell has endorsed Jordan Lesser’s bid for New York State Assembly’s 125th District, his campaign announced on Wednesday.

“As the author of bills repealing 50a and legalizing gay marriage in New York State, I know what it takes to pass ambitious, impactful legislation, and know Jordan has what it takes to make a difference,” said O’Donnell. “Jordan has been at the table in Albany for the fights that have mattered most: from passing marriage equality to banning fracking in New York State. Passing meaningful legislation takes the patience to work through complex policy details, the vision to understand what is needed most, and the tenacity to keep pushing until it’s done right.”

The legislation to repeal Section 50a, sponsored by O’Donnell, made police officers’ personnel records accesible to the public and was passed last week amid national protests over the death of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis Police officers over Memorial Day weekend.

“I am honored to have Assemblymember O’Donnell’s support for the 125th District Assembly seat,” said Lesser. “With these strong working relationships with Assemblymembers already in place, I will be the most effective advocate for our communities and our progressive principles, such as racial justice and LGBT rights.”

Lesser was also endorsed by former Assemblymember Barbara Lifton last week. He had worked as counsel to Lifton for a decade prior to her retirement.

He has also picked up the endorsements of local attorney Ray Schlather, City of Ithaca Alderperson Cynthia Brock, Adelaide Park Gomer, President of The Park Foundation Board of Trustees, Town of Ithaca Councilperson Rich DePaolo, former Tompkins County Legislator Barbara Blanchard, Walter Hang, Founder of Toxics Targeting and Margaret Johnson, PhD., Legislative Aide to Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton and to former Assemblyman Marty Luster.

He is one of the seven candidates for the Democratic ticket. The other candidates include Anna Kelles, Tompkins County Legislator; Lisa Hoeschele of Cortland; Seph Murtagh, City of Ithaca Alderperson; Jason Leifer, Dryden Town Supervisor; Beau Harbin, Cortland County Legislator; local attorney Sujata Gibson.

The primary will be held on June 23. Due to COVID-19, all voters are able to request absentee ballots and early voting begins on June 13.