Menchaca makes endorsement in local assembly race

Councilmember Carlos Menchaca has changed his position in the 51st Assembly race to not making an endorsement to an endorsement of Ceasar Zuniga. He will be announcing this Wednesday morning at 7 am at the 36th Street subway station (at 4th Avenue).

He had originally told the Star-Revue that he was too new to make an endorsement. From early on though, Zuniga has been seen with Menchaca at various events, and Zuniga has spoken during the campaign of his desire to work with the city councilman.

In his announcement, Menchaca will say that Zuniga is a fellow Progressive and would work to bring progressive politics to the state assembly.

There is a complicated stream of alliances taking place in the 51st and 52nd Assembly races.  Brad Lander and Steve Levin, who both orchestrated the Progressive Caucus in the city council, are supporting Pete Sikora in the 52nd. In his campaign, Sikora claims a little bit of that authorship as well, and vows to create a dynamic Progressive Caucus in the Assembly to be ready to take power upon the retirement of boss Sheldon Silver. Yet Menchaca has followed his mentor, Nydia Velazquez in supporting Jo Anne Simon, who is running against Sikora.

In yet another twist, Velazquez is supporting Zuniga’s opponent, incumbent Felix Ortiz, who also has the support of Mayor De Blasio, yet another progressive.

At this point it is unclear whether this last minute endorsement means that Zuniga needs help, or that the longshot has a chance.

The Star-Revue will report on the goings on at 36th Street after breakfast tomorrow.