NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Pat Lynch, the longstanding Patrolmen's Benevolent Association president, announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection when his term expires at the end of June.
Lynch, 59, was first elected as president of the union that represents rank-and-file NYPD officers in 1999. As the longest-serving PBA president, he leveraged his position to become a major player in New York City politics.
Lynch said that after seven years of contract negotiation that yielded a 28.25% wage increase last week, it is time for new leadership to take the reigns.
“This decision is part of a philosophy I have long held: a rider cannot switch horses in the middle of a battle, and the PBA must not change leadership in the middle of a contract fight,” said Lynch in an email to union members. “To remain true to my principles, I must allow the change to begin now.”
The contract will retroactively apply the increase from 2017 through 2025, costing the city about $5.5 billion through the 2027 fiscal year amid major cuts to other city agencies.
Lynch used his role as president of the union to throw his weight around city and national politics.
He endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential campaign — the first presidential endorsement in the PBA’s history.
He picked a fight with the United Federation of Teachers over the union’s support for a march against police violence led by Rev. Al Sharpton after an NYPD officer killed Eric Garner in 2014.
He used officers as a cudgel against his political opponents, organizing police to protest Mayors and other elected officials.
Lynch’s rivalry with former Mayor Bill de Blasio was a particular source of conflict. He turned his back on the mayor alongside hundreds of cops at an officer’s funeral and organized PBA protests against De Blasio across the country.
Lynch is already backing PBA Treasurer Patrick Hendry in his bid for union president.
Corey Grable, the transit financial secretary, announced he would run for president months ago.
It’s unclear if Lynch will remain on the force until he reaches the mandatory retirement age in 2026.
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