A coalition of 23 New York police unions announced that they are “uniting against Senate Democrats” and jointly endorsing six State Senate candidates in key battleground districts.

These unions, which represent more than 200,000 law enforcement officers, say they want to vote out Senate Democrats that voted for “anti-police measures,” such as the controversial bail reform measure passed in 2019 and the repeal of 50A, which seals police disciplinary records.

“One need only turn on the television or walk the streets of our city and state to see that the failed programs and laws of the current NYS Legislature are making our neighborhoods a less safe place than they were before they pushed their destructive agenda of putting felons before families,” New York State Association of PBAs President Michael O’Meara said. “We stand together endorsing these candidates that have pledged to help us restore safety and security to our ailing communities. We urge you, not only as the police in your community, but as fellow citizens and neighbors, to vote for these candidates."

All 23 police unions are supporting:

  • District 1 – Anthony Palumbo, running to replace retiring Republican Senator Ken LaValle
  • District 3 – Alexis Weik, challenging Democratic incumbent Monica Martinez
  • District 5 – Edmond Smyth, challenging Democratic incumbent James Gaughran
  • District 6 – Dennis Dunne, Sr., challenging Democratic incumbent Kevin Thomas
  • District 40 – Rob Astorino, challenging Democratic incumbent Peter Harckham
  • District 42 – Mike Martucci, challenging Democratic incumbent Jen Metzger

Police unions across the state, over recent months, have pointed to an uptick in crime seen in most major cities in New York, saying this is a direct result of state bail reform changes and anti-police rhetoric. However, according to a NY1 report, even prior to those reforms, police had begun to make far fewer arrests in cities like New York City. As of August 19, arrests were down by 39%.

Activists say that the rise in crime is more from underlying socio-economic factors that were heightened during the pandemic, such as job losses and housing struggles.

The police unions say they plan to jointly endorse more State Senate candidates in the immediate future.