Today, Citizens Union announced its preference of Tom DiNapoli in the Democratic primary for New York State Comptroller, citing his long record of ethical leadership, independent oversight, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

The announcement follows Citizens Union’s release last week of its preferences in competitive State Senate and Assembly primaries across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, where the organization backed a slate of reform-minded candidates committed to ethics, accountability, and effective governance.

“At a time when public trust in government remains fragile, New Yorkers need experienced and independent watchdogs overseeing taxpayer dollars and protecting the integrity of state government,” said Grace Rauh, Executive Director of Citizens Union. “Tom DiNapoli has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, and Citizens Union believes he is best prepared to continue serving New Yorkers effectively as State Comptroller.”

Citizens Union preferred DiNapoli based on his record of stewardship in the office, his institutional independence, and his serious, professional approach to managing one of the nation’s largest public pension funds. Citizens Union noted that in a state government that has too often been defined by scandal and dysfunction, it is imperative that the Comptroller’s office demonstrate ethical leadership and a willingness to serve as an independent watchdog over public spending and government operations.

Comptroller DiNapoli has served in the office since 2007. During his tenure, he has defended the office’s independent oversight powers, expanded public access to government financial information through Open Book New York, maintained a strong ethical record, and overseen the growth and stability of the state pension fund. Citizens Union also credits DiNapoli with strengthening ethical safeguards within the office and demonstrating independence from the political forces that originally elevated him to the position.

The State Comptroller is a critical role in New York, serving as both the state’s chief fiscal officer and an independent watchdog responsible for auditing government agencies, protecting and investing public employee pension funds, and ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.

In addition to DiNapoli, Citizens Union evaluated challengers Drew Warshaw, Raj Goyle, and Adem Bunkeddeko, and welcomed the competitive primary, praising all four candidates for engaging seriously with the responsibilities of the office.

“New Yorkers benefit when strong candidates compete for offices that too often escape public attention,” Rauh added. “We appreciate each candidate for engaging in what has been a serious and substantive primary that has highlighted the importance of the Comptroller’s office in protecting taxpayers and holding government accountable.”

Support for Citizens Union’s reform agenda was the primary criterion used in deciding whether to support a candidate. Other criteria considered in evaluating candidates and campaigns included:

• A record of ethical integrity
• Commitment and ability to advance Citizens Union’s goals, if elected
• For incumbents: demonstrated support for Citizens Union’s issues while in office
• Evidence of ability to wage an effective and competitive campaign
• Reliance on small-donor, local financing of the campaign
• Candidates’ grasp of issues specific to the race’s jurisdiction and whether they propose thoughtful solutions to represent constituents’ interests

Last week, Citizens Union issued preferences in competitive State Senate and Assembly primaries across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Please see the full slate of Citizens Union’s preferred candidates below:

New York State Comptroller
Tom DiNapoli

State Senate

District 12 (Queens – Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven)
Steven Raga

District 13 (Queens – Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, Elmhurst, North Corona, Flushing Meadows)
Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas

District 27 (Manhattan – Tribeca, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, West Village, Alphabet City, Lower East Side, East Village, Financial District)
Grace Lee

Assembly

District 23 (Queens – Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Rockaways, Ozone Park)
Mike Scala

District 30 (Queens – Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth)
Patrick Martinez

District 32 (Queens – Jamaica, South Jamaica, Rochdale Village)
Tunisia Morrison

District 37 (Queens – Long Island City, Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Maspeth)
Samantha Kattan

District 38 (Queens – Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, Woodhaven)
David Orkin

District 56 (Brooklyn – Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights)
Eon Huntley

District 65 (Manhattan – Chinatown, Lower East Side)
Wei-Li Tjong

District 66 (Manhattan – Greenwich Village, Tribeca, SoHo, NoHo, Battery Park City, Meatpacking District)
Ryder Kessler
David Siffert

District 68 (Manhattan – East Harlem, Central Harlem, Upper East Side, Randalls Island)
Diana Ayala

District 69 (Manhattan – Upper West Side, Bloomingdale, Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights)
Eli Northrup

District 73 (Manhattan – Murray Hill, Turtle Bay, Sutton Place, Midtown East, Upper East Side)
Vanessa Aronson

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