Craig Johnson

Becomes First Sitting Senator to Receive Formal NARAL Backing This Year

MINEOLA, N.Y. – NARAL Pro-Choice New York joined women from across the 7th Senate District to endorse Craig M. Johnson for another term in the New York State Senate.

Johnson, (D-Nassau), has been a staunch supporter of a woman's right to choose and is a co-sponsor and champion of the Reproductive Health Act. This legislation will codify Roe v. Wade into state law and preserve a woman's right to choose, even in the event of a Roe challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court.

“NARAL Pro-Choice New York is proud to endorse Craig Johnson,” said NARAL Pro-Choice New York  President Kelli Conlin. “Craig has long been our friend and ally – always standing up for reproductive health and rights. Craig represents the pro-choice values that New Yorkers cherish. We know we can count on him to be a strong leader for the women of New York.”

Johnson is the first sitting state senator to be formally endorsed by NARAL this election cycle.

In 1970 – a full three years before Roe v. Wade – New York became the first state in the nation to fully legalize abortion. Over time, the state’s law has become outdated and, critically, does not include an exception permitting a late -term procedure if a woman’s health is endangered, or if the fetus is not viable. The Reproductive Health Act will properly insert a health exception into our state law and bring New York in line with federal law.

Senator Johnson and his pro-choice record were also endorsed by women from across the 7th Senate District, including U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, (D-Mineola), Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, (D-Great Neck), Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth and North Hempstead Councilwoman  Viviana Russell.

"Women’s health and reproductive rights are under assault by extremists all over New York, like those running against Andrew Cuomo, Craig Johnson and myself,” U.S. Rep. McCarthy said. “They're not just running against us, they're running against every pro-choice woman and man in the state.  I'm proud to endorse Senator Johnson today and support his efforts to pass the Reproductive Health Act.  Together we'll protect a woman's right to choose her own health care."

“I thank NARAL Pro-Choice New York and my partners in government for their support,” Johnson said. “I will continue the fight to safeguard a woman's right to choose and advance women's health issues in New York.”