There are moments in public life when an endorsement is not about politics, but about direction. About whether a community continues down a path of frustration, or chooses a path of restoration, accountability, and purpose.
This is one of those moments.
Khris Kerr is not a career politician shaped by Albany. She is a product of service, discipline, and lived experience. Raised in a family rooted in military values, and shaped by a lifetime of volunteerism, Kerr understands something that too many in government have forgotten: public service is not a title, it is a responsibility.
Her journey reflects that commitment. As a public school teacher in the Bronx and Yonkers, she witnessed firsthand the challenges within our education system. Not from reports or briefings, but from inside the classroom. She saw where the system fails students, where safety is compromised, and where opportunity is unevenly distributed.
But she did not stop at observation. She acted.
Kerr’s professional career as an electrical engineer, including her work implementing the first E-ZPass system across major MTA bridges and tunnels, demonstrates a rare combination of technical expertise and execution. Her experience extends across education, criminal justice, and emergency management, including work with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and Yonkers Office of Emergency Management.
On September 11th, she led her entire staff to safety. That moment alone speaks volumes. Leadership is revealed under pressure, not comfort.
Beyond credentials, what defines Khris Kerr is impact.
She fought for and helped bring a performing arts high school to Yonkers, opening doors for young people who needed direction and opportunity. She personally intervened to help an elderly woman who had been living at a bus stop for over a decade secure permanent housing. While others overlooked her, she made her visible.
That is not politics. That is character.
Kerr has consistently demonstrated a willingness to advocate for those who are often unheard: children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable members of the community. Her work reflects a belief that government should serve people, not the other way around.
At a time when New Yorkers are deeply concerned about affordability, public safety, and quality of life, Kerr brings a clear and unapologetic perspective. She speaks to issues many residents experience daily: rising costs, unsafe conditions, and systems that feel disconnected from the people they are meant to serve.
Her policy priorities are grounded in restoring balance. Safer communities. Stronger schools with real support systems. Lower costs for working families. Workforce development through trade education and apprenticeship pathways. A government that is accountable, efficient, and focused on results.
Equally important is her belief in collaboration. From her early leadership roles bringing together engineering organizations to his current campaign, Kerr understands that progress is not built in isolation. It is built through coordination, shared effort, and respect for different perspectives.
She has supported candidates, movements, and initiatives long before seeking office herself. That speaks to a leadership style rooted in contribution, not ambition.
Kerr defines integrity in simple but powerful terms: being true to your values, standing firm under pressure, and making decisions for the benefit of the people, not personal gain. In a political environment where compromise often comes at the expense of principle, that clarity matters.
Her vision for the district is direct. A New York that is affordable, safe, and worth staying in. A place where families can build a future, where businesses can grow, and where communities feel protected and respected.
This race presents a clear contrast in leadership, priorities, and direction.
Khris Kerr offers a grounded, results-driven approach shaped by real experience, not political insulation. She represents a voice that is direct, a perspective that is independent, and a commitment that is rooted in service.
For those reasons, and with a clear understanding of what is at stake, I am proud to offer my full endorsement.
Gonzalo Duran endorses Khris Kerr for New York State Senate 35.
I encourage every voter to take the time to learn about this race, engage with the issues that matter most to their families, and make their voice heard at the ballot box. The future of our communities depends on informed, active participation, and this election is an opportunity to move New York in a stronger, safer, and more accountable direction.