Rep. Carolyn Maloney wins backing of Stonewall Democrats in NY-12 primary

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) won the endorsement of a prominent LGBTQ group, Stonewall Democrats in her primary fight for the 12th Congressional District.

“She’s an extraordinarily effective member of Congress and longtime friend of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Justin Sanchez, president of Stonewall Democrats on Friday.

Sanchez credited Maloney with introducing the first measure to recognize same-sex marriage as a New York City council member and her recent advocacy for a more forceful federal response to the monkeypox outbreak.

The longtime upper East Side lawmaker said she is “humbled” to win the endorsement.

She also picked up the backing of seven former leaders of the group, which gets its name from the Stonewall uprising that is credited with launching the gay rights movement.

[ The history of the LGBT rights movement in New York City ]

Maloney is locked in a tight race with Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y), who is also a strong advocate for gay rights, along with upstart rival Suraj Patel, in the Aug. 23 primary.

The two Democratic heavyweights were dumped into a single seat by redistricting after the state’s highest court tossed out a Democratic congressional map as an illegal gerrymander.

The trio sparred in a Monday debate in which Maloney and Nadler looked a bit rusty after 30 years in office with few serious challenges.

Maloney recently raised eyebrows by saying she didn’t think President Biden would run for reelection in 2024 but later apologized and offered her full support to Biden if he does run for a second term.