QUEENS, NY – Council Member Helen Rosenthal, one of New York City’s leading advocates for gender equality, on February 18 announced her support for her longtime colleague and friend Costa Constantinides as the progressive choice for Queens Borough President.

“I am so excited to support Costa as the next Queens Borough President,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal. “He has been one of the smartest, most dedicated legislators who wants to make our neighborhoods a better place. I know he will lead Queens into a better future full of opportunity.”

“Helen has fought day in and day out for gender equity, and I am so humbled to have her support,” said Costa Constantinides, progressive Democrat for Queens Borough President. “She has been one of the most thoughtful people I have served alongside in the Council — especially when it comes to passing historic environmental legislation. Her support shows we have a real progressive movement to create a stronger Queens.”

Rosenthal and Constantinides have served alongside each other since January 2014. Both are proud members of the Jewish Caucus, which has taken strong action against the rise of anti-Semitism. Their partnership has made New York City a fairer, healthier place for all of its 8.4 million residents. Both have especially led the way on environmental issues, starting with their 2014 efforts against fracking in New York State. Rosenthal and Constantinides also pushed the Mayor to divest New York City’s pension funds from the coal industry in 2015, setting a national trend that continues today. Most recently, Rosenthal became the first Council Member to co-sponsor the Renewable Rikers Act – a three-bill package that would transform the island into a hub for renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment.

The Upper West Side Council Member has led the way on equality throughout the Big Apple, too. As the Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity, she has advanced legislation to combat gender discrimination, protect domestic violence and sexual assault victims, and reverse upward trends in the number of women in poverty. When Rosenthal chaired the Women’s Caucus from 2016 to 2017, its members released a historic report on the drop in female Council Members. She has continued to advocate for gender parity in legislatures.

Constantinides posted on Twitter about the endorsement, “My friend @HelenRosenthal has joined Team Costa! Thrilled to have the support of one of NYC’s leader advocates for women and gender equality. Every day we’re seeing more support for our movement to #TransformQueens!”

Costa Constantinides currently serves in the New York City Council, where he represents western Queens and chairs the Committee on Environmental Protection. His legislative accomplishments include the Climate Mobilization Act, a Green New Deal for New York City, as well as the historic 80% reduction by 2050 of carbon emissions commitment. Costa lives in his native Astoria with his wife and son.

For more information, visit: www.votecosta.com