Scott Stringer loses PWNY mayoral race recommendation over sexual harassment scandal

NEW YORK – Progressive Women of New York has withdrawn its support for New York City comptroller Scott Stringer in the NYC mayoral election yesterday due to sexual harassment accusations leveled against him, according to press release forwarded to New York Parrot on April 30, 2021.

“The recent allegations have been especially disappointing since Scott was a friend and ally to many of us. This has been triggering for those of us who have been routinely subjected to such behaviors and blamed, shamed, and disbelieved if we came forward. We are fed up with the distraction of powerful men abusing their positions of authority over women,” the PWNY Endorsements Team said.

“As a women’s organization, it would be remiss of us to remain silent,” said PWNY Steering Committee & Endorsements Team member and candidate for 61st Assembly District Leader Jasi Robinson. “We support women, especially women bravely coming forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment, knowing that they will be scrutinized and discredited for it.”

Echoing the views of PWNY’s 1,600 members statewide, as well as members such as Sen. Liz Krueger, Sen. Jessica Ramos and candidates including Ingrid Gomez, Lorie Honor, and Lindsey Boylan who have spoken publicly on the matter, the organization’s steering committee retracted its third-place recommendation for Stringer after a woman accused him of sexually harassing her.

Three weeks ago, PWNY endorsed Dianne Morales — who is a member of the group — as its top choice and Maya Wiley second in NYC’s Democratic primary, to be held June 22. Stringer had been PWNY’s third-place recommendation in NYC’s ranked-choice voting format. PWNY will not be making a replacement third-place endorsement.

“This incident highlights the urgent need for more women in leadership positions. PWNY is proud to be supporting many strong, uncompromising candidates up and down the ballot and across the state this cycle, and in particular, Dianne’s transformative campaign and candidacy,” the Endorsement Team concluded.

Formed in 2017, Progressive Women of New York is a statewide political activism and social justice organization committed to upholding progressive values and human rights at every level of government.