State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Boro Park) one of Brooklyn’s longest-serving lawmakers announced this morning that he will not be seeking another term of office.
Hikind was first elected to represent Brooklyn’s 48th Assembly District 36 years ago in 1983 and has remained a popular champion for his constituents. He is highly regarded not only in New York but also throughout the world for his relentless fight against racism, discrimination, Holocaust denial, and human rights violations.
“I am excited about my future—there is still so much to be done,” Hikind said. “But before I can start the next chapter of my life, I intend to finish my term in the Assembly.
“I want to thank my constituents—my many friends and neighbors—for these extraordinary 36 years of having the honor to serve them. I thank my parents for instilling genuine Jewish values in me, and my family—my wife Shani and my children—for making it possible to do what I do. But most of all I thank G-d for giving me the strength to allow me to make a difference. That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what I intend to continue doing, hopefully for many decades to come.”
For decades, Hikind’s office has been a reflection of Dov’s deep commitment to helping others and his own limitless energy. People throughout his district—and indeed, throughout New York—speak of Hikind’s unparalleled constituent services. “It doesn’t matter how small you think a problem is,” he always told his staff. “When someone has a problem, that problem is HUGE to them. We can’t solve every problem, but we always have to try.”
Hikind’s retirement will mean the assembly seat will be open in the upcoming September 13 Democratic and Republican primaries, and in the November general election. Democrat Simcha Eichenstein, who currently works as a senior intergovernmental advisor in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration is a very strong frontrunner, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Hikind’s announcement can be seen in the following video, “Dov Hikind: Four Decades of Making a Difference.” Check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W5ySjWbihc&feature=youtu.be
