Akbar Haider Kiron

 NEW YORK — May 15, 2026 — This morning, Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Shamsul Haque in his race for New York State Assembly District 30. Senator Sanders highlighted Haque’s commitment to working families in Queens, economic justice, access to healthcare, and grassroots leadership.  This endorsement marks a major moment for the campaign and further strengthens growing public support for Haque’s vision of building a more affordable and equitable New York.  Shamsul Haque said: “Bernie Sanders has spent his entire career fighting for working people’s rights, establishing healthcare as a human right, economic justice, and the dignity of immigrant communities. Receiving his endorsement is deeply meaningful to me, because the same values have shaped my life and this campaign.”  Shamsul Haque is a longtime resident of Woodside and served the public for over two decades with the NYPD.

Last year, he retired as the first Bangladeshi‑Muslim Lieutenant Commander in NYPD history. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to keeping communities safe through justice, honesty, transparency, and responsible public service.  Haque is running on a platform of affordable living, tenant protections, access to healthcare, immigrant rights, union jobs, and community‑centered public safety across Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Maspeth.

 Haque added: “Senator Sanders has inspired millions of people — especially immigrants, young people, and working families — to believe that government can and should fight for everyday people. This endorsement is not just about our campaign. It’s about building a movement rooted in justice, opportunity, and true representation for Queens.”  This endorsement further strengthens Haque’s growing coalition of labor unions, grassroots organizations, and community‑based groups, as the campaign expands its field operations and voter outreach across District 30.