AOC backs Brooklyn Councilman Brad Lander in NYC comptroller primary

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday boosted a Brooklyn comrade’s bid to become the Big Apple’s top budget watchdog, endorsing lefty Councilman Brad Lander for comptroller.

The endorsement comes just days after the Democratic primary race was turned upside down by the late entry of Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who brings significant name recognition and a campaign war chest to the previously sleepy Democratic primary contest. “Brad understands that, for government to be able to deliver the bold transformative change we need, it has to work for and with the people,” said Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens/The Bronx) in a statement released by Lander’s campaign Wednesday morning.