#Teachers union backs Corey Johnson for comptroller

The teachers’ union endorsed Council Speaker Corey Johnson for city comptroller.

United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew on Wednesday said, “In particular, our committees noted Corey Johnson’s longtime support of public education and his ability to make city government work on behalf of working families.”

Johnson, the councilman representing portions of Manhattan’s lower West Side and Midtown, has been the leader of the council since 2018.

The Council Speaker planned to run for mayor but dropped out last September, citing mental health challenges including depression.

He was a late entry into the race for comptroller — but he has racked up the endorsements of some of the other major unions representing the government and private sector workforce along with the UFT including: the Hotel Trades Council, District Council 37, and SEIU Locals 1199 and 32 BJ and Transport Workers Union.

Among the other Democratic candidates in the race include former financial journalist and CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, Brooklyn Councilman Brad Lander, Queens Assemblyman David Weprin, Harlem Sen. Brian Benjamin, Brooklyn Sen. Kevin Parker and former Marine Zachary Iscol.

The winner will succeed current city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is term-limited and running for mayor. The UFT endorsed Stringer for mayor and has stood by him after a former campaign volunteer accused the comptroller of sexual misconduct during a prior campaign twenty years ago. Stringer denied the claim leveled by Jean Kim.

The primary elections for city races including comptroller will be held June 22.