Gowda campaign for NY Senate announces endorsement

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Rajiv Gowda’s campaign for New York State Senate from District 23, announced Aug. 10, 2022, it had received the endorsement of STREETS PAC.

Gowda is running for an open seat in a district that covers Staten Island’s North Shore and a portion of southern Brooklyn.

STREETS PAC “is dedicated to improving the safety, mobility and livability for New Yorkers,” and endorsed Gowda in 2020 as well, the press release said.

“A former union leader and Community Education Council president, Gowda also chaired his Community Board’s Transportation Committee. He’s committed to advocating for a pedestrian and bicycle path on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, reactivation of Staten Island’s North Shore rail line, major upgrades to the district’s bike lanes, and improved transit accessibility,” said STREETS PAC Committee in its endorsement.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the support of this remarkable organization who works (sic) every day to keep our community safe. We must work together to make our streets safe to use for people of all ages and abilities,” Gowda is quoted saying in the press release. “It is wonderful to have the backing of the people who make New York City such a safe place.”

According to Gowda’s campaign website, gowda4senate.com, the Indian-American candidate has more than 20 years of business and union experience. A civil engineer and small business owner, Gowda “has overseen dozens of public & private infrastructure projects for the NYC Department of Design and Construction and managed budgets in the millions,” his website says.

He served as the 1st Vice President of Local 375, Civil Service Technical Guild, DC 37, where he is credited with defending workers’ rights and fighting corruption. He is also a former delegate to both DC 37 and to the Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), as well as an active life member of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL).

Gowda is a recipient of several awards including a Proclamation by the New York City Council for his outstanding community work; He has been recognized by the Reality Check Tobacco-free Staten Island for his dedication; He has been recognized for his ‘outstanding contribution’ to the Asian American Labor Movement by DC 37, the largest municipal union in New York City, his website says.