On the basis of the evaluation factors identified under Our Approach, DRUM Beats assesses candidates in the following ways:

Movement Builder Endorsement

For candidates with a transformational vision, with an excellent past record, solid political practice, and formally pledging to practice co-governance.

Endorsement

For candidates with a transformational or progressive vision, and a good past record and political practice.

There are additional candidates who we will work with to meet the above standards, and will support their campaigns on the ground, but will not be endorsed or be publicly identified as receiving our support.

 2021 Endorsements

Carolyn Tran is our only Movement Builder Endorsement in the 2021 elections, which is only for candidates who demonstrate the full gamut of a visionary political platform, a consistent past record, excellent political practice, AND most importantly are formally agreeing to DRUM Beats’ proposal on collective leadership and co-governance. Carolyn comes from a working class family of Vietnamese refugees, and a union family, and this reflects in her approach that centers immigrants, refugees, and workers in her platform and her practice. Carolyn is deeply rooted within Southeast Asian activist and organizer networks across the country, and to the local organizing groups in this district.

Over the last decade, Carolyn has demonstrated her willingness to take personal risk, even to her own career, for the sake of political principles and for movement needs. Through her work inside a city council office, and even demonstrated through her campaign, Carolyn has regularly practiced collective decision-making which we are looking forward to growing into formal structures for co-governance. Lastly, Carolyn has shown a remarkable ability and commitment to expand the electorate and actively bring in segments of our communities who have been ignored by electeds and candidates, in particular, Nepalis, Tibetans, Indonesians, Burmese, Thai, Peruvian, and Bangladeshis. Not only is she the best candidate for District 25, but on the basis of our movement building evaluation factors, we without hesitation believe that Carolyn is one of the best candidates for City Council in this city.

For District 18 in the Bronx, DRUM Beats members endorse Amanda Farias. Amanda comes from a working-class family and has a demonstrated record on supporting workers. As a city councillor, she will be committed to divesting from NYPD and investing in

For District 18 in the Bronx, DRUM Beats members endorse Amanda Farias. Amanda comes from a working-class family and has a demonstrated record on supporting workers. As a city councillor, she will be committed to divesting from NYPD and investing in public education and NYCHA.

For District 23 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Jaslin Kaur. Jaslin comes from a working-class family and is a tireless advocate for workers and immigrants, particularly taxi drivers following the taxi medallion crash and excluded workers durin

For District 23 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Jaslin Kaur. Jaslin comes from a working-class family and is a tireless advocate for workers and immigrants, particularly taxi drivers following the taxi medallion crash and excluded workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a city councillor, we believe that Jaslin will continue to work with and for workers and movements by fighting for protections for frontline workers and expanding the vote.

For District 27 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Harold Miller. Harold comes from a working class family and has a track record of organizing for worker’s rights and equality. As a city councillor, Harold will be committed to pushing for housing

For District 27 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Harold Miller. Harold comes from a working class family and has a track record of organizing for worker’s rights and equality. As a city councillor, Harold will be committed to pushing for housing security, equitable access to healthcare for South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, and transportation justice.

For District 29 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Aleda Gagarin. Aleda is a community-centered activist with a demonstrated record of organizing against white supremacy. As a city councillor, Aleda will support working-class communities by moving

For District 29 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Aleda Gagarin. Aleda is a community-centered activist with a demonstrated record of organizing against white supremacy. As a city councillor, Aleda will support working-class communities by moving money from policing into community care and systemic solutions, expanding the right to vote, and supporting the BASE Campaign to legalize basement apartments.

For District 32 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Felicia Singh. Felicia comes from a working class family and has worked to reduce inequalities faced by working-class communities. As a city councillor, Felicia will be committed to supporting deb

For District 32 in Queens, DRUM Beats members endorse Felicia Singh. Felicia comes from a working class family and has worked to reduce inequalities faced by working-class communities. As a city councillor, Felicia will be committed to supporting debt relief for taxi drivers, better working conditions for gig workers, and a strong climate resilience plan for a district vulnerable to heat and coastal flooding.

For District 37 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Sandy Nurse. Sandy is an experienced community organizer with a record of addressing the root causes of the crises we face. As a city councillor, Sandy will be committed to advancing affordable

For District 37 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Sandy Nurse. Sandy is an experienced community organizer with a record of addressing the root causes of the crises we face. As a city councillor, Sandy will be committed to advancing affordable housing and economic development for workers, as well as divesting from police and investing in other social services.

For District 39 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Shahana Hanif as Ranked Choice #1. Shahana is deeply rooted in working-class communities in the district and committed to education equity and housing justice. We believe Shahana would be a prog

For District 39 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Shahana Hanif as Ranked Choice #1. Shahana is deeply rooted in working-class communities in the district and committed to education equity and housing justice. We believe Shahana would be a progressive city councilor who will fight for working class communities.

For District 39 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Brandon West as Ranked Choice #2. Brandon is a dedicated community organizer who is also committed to advancing education equity and housing justice. We believe Brandon would be a progressive ci

For District 39 in Brooklyn, DRUM Beats members endorse Brandon West as Ranked Choice #2. Brandon is a dedicated community organizer who is also committed to advancing education equity and housing justice. We believe Brandon would be a progressive city councillor who will fight for working class communities.