Councilman Justin Brannan Kicked Out Of Italian Caucus Over Columbus Day Debate

Brooklyn Democrat Justin Brannan, a frontrunner in next year’s comptroller race, has been removed from the City Council’s Italian Caucus over his stance on Columbus Day. Brannan’s refusal to embrace the holiday as it stands has led to friction within the caucus, resulting in his ousting.

Brannan, who is of Italian descent, has said he is “open” to renaming Columbus Day as Italian-American Heritage Day. His position, which he first voiced in 2023, angered caucus members. Councilman David Carr (R-Staten Island), the caucus chair, emphasized that the group is committed to retaining Columbus Day as is. “There’s no room for negotiation,” Carr said.

The Italian Caucus’ conservative members, including Carr and Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R), have made it clear that opposing the renaming of Columbus Day is a requirement for membership. As a result, Brannan’s stance left him no longer welcome.

Brannan responded by stating that while he is proud of his Italian heritage, he rejects any “MAGA litmus test” regarding the holiday. He also expressed support for Indigenous people having their own holiday, though he opposes replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which he believes would create unnecessary conflict.

The disagreement came to a head during the City Council’s Italian Heritage Celebration, which Brannan was notably excluded from. Fellow Democrat Robert Holden supported Brannan’s removal, saying that the caucus should prioritize protecting Italian heritage rather than adopting “trendy” political ideas.

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