City Council Candidate Shahana Hanif secured the backing of 100 women leaders this week, as she vies to replace term-limited Councilmember Brad Lander.
If elected, Hanif, a former staffer for the incumbent, would be the first woman to represent the 39th Council District, which spans Park Slope, Kensington, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and parts of Borough Park, and the first Muslim and South Asian woman to serve on the council.
“I’m honored to have the support of this spectacular group of women from all corners of District 39,” Hanif said in a statement. “I’m confident that with their support and our wonderful diverse coalition of organizations across New York City we will make history in June.”
The City Council has long been dominated by men, and despite significant gains in equality, the 51-member legislative body currently has twice as many male members than female members. In Brooklyn, eight of the sitting council members are male, while only four are female.
Among those endorsing Hanif are community organizers, parent advocates, small business owners, and safer streets activists.
“Shahana is the kind of public school advocate and activist we need,” said education advocate Jody Drezner Alperin. “She works hard to make sure she is hearing from all of the stakeholders in our educational system, most especially those families who have been historically ignored. I know from my own experience that Shahana really listens and incorporates the needs of the community into her policy making. But most importantly, Shahana centers the voices and demands of public school students themselves.”
Hanif, a Kensington native, has among the most institutional endorsements in the race for the 39th, including from progressive groups like the Working Families Party, New York Communities for Change, and The Jewish Vote.
The primary election is June 22. Register to vote here.
