In the wake of her narrow win against a Democratic newcomer, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, Park Slope, Brownsville, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay) is committing herself to being the best elected official she can be.
In an emailed letter to her constituents, sent after her win against challenger Adem Bunkeddeko, Clarke promised to recommit herself to fighting for her district and being a better elected.
“I’ve heard my constituents loud and clear. You want a fighter to represent you–it’s the Brooklyn way! You also want someone who is in touch with the needs and concerns of our district. You want someone who can get the job done; someone who truly understands what’s at stake. I take my responsibility very seriously. I will work even harder to ensure that you have no doubt I am representing you with tenacity, dedication, and fidelity,” read the letter.
The 11-year incumbent barely squeaked past Bunkeddeko on June 26, in the Democratic primary that resulted in a three percentage point difference. According to the unofficial election results, Clarke received 51.9% of the vote, with 14,804 total votes. Her opponent received 48.1% of the vote, with 13,729 total votes.
One of the main theme’s of the race centered around Bunkeddeko’s challenging of Clarke’s history in Congress, claiming the Congresswoman hasn’t achieved much in her time in Washington.
However, the long-term Central Brooklyn elected is promising to change this narrative going into the general election in November.
“With your trust, we will move forward. Today, I recommit myself to working tirelessly for a better Brooklyn,” continued the letter.
Clarke, in recent months, has been a strong opponent of President Donald Trump, speaking out against many of his immigration policy measures including the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and family separation.
In addition, Clarke has had a role in blocking TrumpCare, saving sanctuary cities and helping battle the Muslim travel ban, among other things.
“Now that the primary is behind us, we must look forward to November. We are at a critical time in our nation’s history. We must secure Democratic wins in districts across this city, state, and nation and take back the House and Senate. This is the only way to protect our interests, hold the Trump administration accountable, keep families together, protect a woman’s right to choose, save Social Security, ensure Medicare for all, and establish truly affordable housing across our district and great nation. We are in the fight of our lives, but together, we will continue to uphold the values that matter most to our community,” Clarke added in the letter.
Clarke will face Republican challenger Lutchi Gayot in the General Election on Nov. 6.
