Submitted Photo Members of the Democratic Party gather at the location of their Dunkirk headquarters in 2019.

Dunkirk Democratic Party chairman Ned Divine says incumbent First Ward Councilman Don Williams Jr.’s “actions over the last three years” led to him losing the endorsement in the city.

In a news release issued Sunday night, Divine responded to an article last week in the OBSERVER in which Williams said if he “fallen in line with the mayor” Wilfred Rosas, he would have received the nod.

“I wasn’t elected to serve the mayor … I was elected to serve the residents of the city of Dunkirk and I feel that’s what I’ve done,” Williams said.

Divine, however, disputed those remarks. “I assure you it has nothing to do with his asking ‘hard questions.’ It has everything to do with his actions that have been counter to Democratic principles,” Divine said.

Williams, during the 2019 city mayoral campaign, was reportedly working behind the scenes against Rosas, a fellow Democrat. “Don should explain why he did not receive the Working Families Party Endorsement,” Divine said. “It is not my place to speak for the Working Families Party decision not to honor him with their endorsement. I know they interview their nominees and ask candidates who wish for their endorsement to answer a questionnaire. They endorse independent from the Democrats.”

Natalie Luczkowiak was chosen as the candidate for First Ward by the party. However, Williams has indicated he plans on running a primary to secure his Democratic line.