Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Wiley in NYC Mayoral Race — See Wiley’s RI Connection
Tuesday, June 08, 2021
Rep. Ocasio Cortez (left) has endorsed Maya Wiley (right) in the race for NYC Mayor. Photo: Maya for Mayor Campaign
As GoLocal reported earlier this year, Rhode Island’s most accomplished family might very well be the Wileys — Maya Wiley is the daughter of George Wiley, who was a prominent national community organizer for which the Wiley Center in Pawtucket is named. He died in 1973.
George Wiley’s brother Alton Wiley was Rhode Island’s first black judge who died at the age of 91 in February; sister Bev Wiley has been the Commissioner of USA Softball and is the Director of Parks and Rec for the City of Warwick.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRead: Rhode Island’s Most Accomplished Family Isn’t Who You Think It Is
Now, Maya Wiley is piling up endorsements in the race for Mayor of NYC.
“Nobody says change like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,” said Wiley’s campaign of the endorsement, “And with AOC’s help we are going to win this race and bring the change we need to the city we love.”
This week, Wiley also announced the endorsements of former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, the New York Working Families Party, New York City NOW, and more.
Maya Wiley in Focus
GoLocal first reported on Wiley — a former top staffer to outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio — and until recently on-air contributor on MSNBC, entering into the NYC Mayoral race back in October:
Wiley, who officially announced her candidacy on October 7, said she is not a “conventional candidate.”
As the New York Times wrote, “Ms. Wiley will have to explain how she is different from Mr. de Blasio, a Democrat in his second and final term, who is not well liked among voters.”
Maya Wiley has pointed to her Rhode Island roots in the past.
In 2019, Wiley Tweeted at Rhode Island native Viola Davis after Davis' appearance on Morning Joe.
"Your mother fought as a welfare reform activist in Rhode Island! My father grew up there & founded National Welfare Rights.org. Now I’m wondering if they ever met!" Tweeted Wiley.
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