MEET JUSTIN BRANNAN

Justin Brannan is not your typical politician. He spent his early days touring the world as a tattooed punk rock musician. In the underground music scene Justin comes from, people look out for one another and pick each other up when they fall down – values he has carried into his work as a New York City Councilmember and now as a candidate for NYC Comptroller.  

Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Justin’s roots run deep. His mom an early childhood educator, his wife an artist and small business owner, Justin grew up in the same public schools, parks, and playgrounds he now works to improve. Justin believes that before you can change the world, you have to start by making a difference in your own backyard. And since being elected, Justin has done that – bringing back over $250 million to his community through direct investments in the programs and priorities that help neighborhoods thrive.

As Finance Chair, he fought to protect and expand the programs New Yorkers rely on most. When the Mayor proposed cruel cuts to libraries, early childhood education, cultural institutions, and after-school programs, Justin said, “Hell no!” and won.

Now, as a candidate for New York City Comptroller, Justin is ready to take his fight for working families citywide. He’s committed to using the power of the Comptroller’s office to tackle affordability because he knows working families aren’t just struggling – they’re leaving. So every dollar of our $115 billion budget should go toward making life more livable.

From public safety to affordability to your everyday quality of life, Justin’s vision for New York City focuses on bold, transformative solutions to the daily challenges working families face.

Justin is committed to fighting for a universal child care system, so no parent has to choose between paying rent and affording quality childcare.

Justin will develop a dedicated NYC Workers Housing Plan to create truly affordable housing options for city employees – teachers, nurses, sanitation workers, first responders, and all those who work hard to keep this city running.

As the son and husband of a teacher, Justin fiercely believes in fully investing in CUNY and ensuring it remains accessible and affordable.

But Justin believes in big ideas and sweating the small stuff like getting potholes filled and making sure your garbage gets picked up on time. From growing pensions and securing dignified retirements for city workers to investing in underserved communities and auditing programs for effectiveness, Justin is laser-focused on building a city where families don’t just survive – they thrive.

With Justin as Comptroller, New York City’s budget will reflect its values: resilient, bold, and built for everyone.