03Nov
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Common Defense, a national organization of progressive veterans and military families, announced its endorsement of Claire Valdez in New York’s 7th Congressional District, Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York’s 13th Congressional District, and Brad Lander in New York’s 10th Congressional District.
“These candidates have dedicated their careers to serving their communities, protecting fundamental rights, and challenging powerful interests that put profits and political power ahead of people.” Jose Vasquez, Executive Director of Common Defense, Army veteran, and New York resident. “New Yorkers deserve leaders in Congress and who will fight for them every step of the way.”
Claire Valdez, a union organizer and New York State Assemblymember, has spent her career fighting alongside workers, tenants, immigrant communities, and unions.
“Claire understands that economic justice and democracy go hand in hand,” Vasquez said. “She knows how to build power from the ground up, and has never lost sight of who the government should serve.”
Darializa Avila Chevalier is a lifelong organizer with a working-class background. She has fought for immigrant rights and public investment in housing, education, and community well-being.
“Darializa has spent her career defending people targeted by unjust systems and building power alongside marginalized communities,” Vasquez said. “Her campaign represents a new generation of leadership grounded in solidarity and public service.”
Throughout his career, Brad Lander has fought for affordable housing, worker protections, government accountability, and immigrant rights.
“Brad has consistently shown what leadership looks like when the stakes are high,” Vasquez said. “Whether taking on corporate interests, exposing government waste, or standing with immigrant families facing Trump’s deportation machine, he has demonstrated the kind of courage and accountability veterans respect.”
The primary election takes place Tuesday, June 23.
###
Common Defense Civic Engagement (501c4) (CDCE) is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.
