Councilman Ousted From NYC Italian Caucus Over Columbus Day Stance

New York City Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), a leading candidate in next year’s comptroller race, has been removed from the City Council’s Italian Caucus for his refusal to support Columbus Day as a national holiday. Brannan’s stance, which he reiterated this month, left the predominantly conservative caucus with no choice but to oust him.

The dispute began in 2023 when Brannan stated he was open to renaming Columbus Day as Italian-American Heritage Day, a move that outraged the caucus. Councilman David Carr (R-Staten Island), who chairs the caucus, explained that Brannan’s position violated the group’s bylaws. “We wanted to be clear—there’s no room for negotiation when it comes to retaining Columbus Day,” Carr told The Post.

Brannan, who is of Italian descent, responded by saying, “no MAGA litmus test” will change his identity as a proud Italian-American. He added that the majority of Italian-Americans use Columbus Day to celebrate Italian contributions to the United States, not to honor Columbus specifically.

The caucus revised its bylaws following Brannan’s comments last year to ensure that all members oppose efforts to rename the federal holiday. As a result, Brannan was excluded from this year’s City Council-sponsored Italian Heritage Celebration.

Brannan’s removal has divided opinions. Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) supported the decision, stating, “If Justin Brannan wants to engage in presentism, he can do it outside the caucus.” Holden argued that the focus should remain on preserving Italian heritage rather than embracing “woke” trends.