Controversy Erupts Over Brooklyn Democrats’ Support Claims

Brooklyn Democrats recently claimed backing from over 70 religious leaders, yet several of these supposed supporters reported that they had never been approached.

The campaign for Mayor Justin Brannan highlighted this “grassroots support” through a social media post that was deleted the following Wednesday. However, some clergy members expressed confusion about how their names were included.

“I don’t even know this person, so I never agreed to be listed. I’m not supporting anyone!” commented Bishop Em Davis, whose name appeared incorrectly as Pastor Jun Davis on Facebook.

Pastor Diamond Clinton White also took to Instagram, stating, “This endorsement was made without my consent,” reflecting similar sentiments. She had also been misidentified.

Almost a dozen religious leaders reported being featured as supporters of Brannan, a current city council member aiming to become the next fiscal overseer, without having contacted the campaign at all.

Some listed faith leaders were particularly frustrated, feeling their names had been used without permission. “It was just frustrating and felt like a violation,” remarked Bishop Davis.

Rev. Louis Breigen found out he was on the list when contacted for feedback, expressing that it felt imposed upon him. “I’m not appreciative of that. I want to make my own choices,” he said.

A representative for Brannan’s campaign acknowledged the misstep and pointed to external vendors responsible for reaching out to religious leaders.

The campaign has since removed the endorsement announcement and is working to clarify who genuinely supports Brannan and who does not, as stated by the spokesman.

“These things happen. We enjoy significant backing from faith leaders, but as we revise our list, that post has been taken down for now,” the spokesman added.

With just over a week left in the Democratic primary, Brannan is reportedly vying for nearly a third of undecided voters. Current frontrunner Mark Levine, from Manhattan, is polling at 44%, compared to Brannan’s 14%. Brannan has recently narrowed Levine’s lead by 11 percentage points, though 44% of voters still remain undecided.