Freshman 59th District Assembly Member Roxanne Persaud will run for the open 19th State Senate District seat and get the full support of the Kings County Democratic Party, KCP has learned.
“Roxanne is running and we will make the announcement public in two weeks,” said Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio.
While Seddio’s word should be enough as he’s not only the borough’s party boss, but also is the local district leader with more than enough committee members to control who runs, Persaud said she’s not ready to formally announce yet.
“I still have to have a general discussion with everyone including my staff and my family,” said Persaud, noting that the governor hasn’t even called a date for a special election.
“I’m just trying to get all my ducks in a row before I formally announce, but that is the intent,” she added.
Persaud’s running is news to Samuel Pierre, the Executive Director of the Haitian American Caucus, who yesterday told KCP that it still wasn’t determined who was running and he is strongly considering it.
“We need a strong leader who’s vocal. Someone who’s done the work and
continues to do the work for everyone in the district. Not just specific areas of the district, and I feel if I do jump in, I will be the best person for the job,” Pierre said.
Pierre added that like Persaud, he’s been a long time members of the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, and that, “I love Frank Seddio. I grew up with Frank Seddio. He raised me in politics.”
But Seddio was surprised to hear that Pierre was still interested in running.
“Roxanne and I told Sam that (she is running) and he knows that,” said Seddio.
Seddio also refused to bless Pierre for Persaud’s current assembly seat, in the likelihood that she wins the senate seat.
“We don’t know what life brings. I’m not someone to plan the next step before the first step is taken,” he said, adding he has learned from his lifetime in politics not to take anything for granted.
The senate seat opened up last month with the felony conviction of longtime Sen. John Sampson for lying to federal authorities and threatening to “take out” witnesses. Cuomo is expected to call the special election for November.
The district includes East New York, Canarsie, Mill Basin, a sliver of Marine Park and a square of Sheepshead Bay.
