New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, announced Tuesday she is endorsing for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for President.

According to the Bloomberg campaign, Peoples-Stokes cited Bloomberg's Greenwood Initiative, an economic justice plan for Black Americans, as a primary reason for her decision. The assemblywoman from Western New York also pointed to the candidate's commitment to reducing gun violence, increasing affordable housing and investing in infrastructure.

“For far too long, Black Americans have experienced insurmountable barriers in creating wealth,” Peoples-Stokes said. “Mike’s Greenwood Initiative outlines actionable steps to righting historical wrongs and ensuring every person in this country can maximize their economic potential. Moreover, Mike has proven he will stand up to the gun lobby, address the country’s affordable housing shortage, build on the Affordable Care Act, and remove barriers to attaining a quality education. The impact of his proposed plans cannot be overstated, which is why Mike has my support in this race.”

The campaign said it was honored to have the support of a trailblazer in Albany. Peoples-Stokes is the first woman and African-American to serve as majority leader.

“Her staunch advocacy on public health, environmental justice, and economic development issues has been pivotal to making our state fairer and stronger," Bloomberg 2020 NY Director John Calvelli said.

The campaign said now 20 state leaders have endorsed Bloomberg, including Peoples-Stokes's Assembly colleagues Peter Abbate and Tom Abinanti, earlier this week. Peoples-Stokes is his highest ranking endorser from the state Legislature so far.