This week two candidates in the special election for the 45th City Council race received community endorsements, including one from a former candidate in the race going into the final two weeks of the contentious race.
Farah Louis, considered one of the front-runners in the race, this week received the endorsement from the Brooklyn Young Democrats (BYD), the official youth arm of the Kings County Democratic Party.
“Farah Louis is a shining example of the courageous, passionate, competent, and progressive leadership Brooklyn so desperately needs,” said Brooklyn Young Democrats President John Wasserman. “We can’t wait for Farah to be elected to the City Council, where her commitment to public service will surely place her among the chamber’s finest members and make the 45th District proud.”
The political club voted overwhelmingly to endorse the local community leader to fill the City Council seat previously held by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Louis served at Williams deputy chief of staff while he was in the city council.
The organization also plans to hold a day of action in support of Louis to get out the vote in time for the vote later this month.
“I’m so proud to receive the endorsement of the Brooklyn Young Democrats. They are the next generation of elected leaders for our Borough, and I’ve been fortunate to count them amongst my colleagues even before this special election,” said Louis. “I look forward to partnering with BYD to address issues that impact the next generation of our Borough and City.”
Meanwhile, Xamayla Rose received the endorsement of former candidate in the race Anthony Beckford.
Beckford, a longtime community activist, was booted off the ballot on April 16 alongside fellow candidate Hercules Reid, after the Board of Elections (BOE) found that of his 581 petitions filed, 240 were invalid, leaving him below the 450 signature requirement.
“The platform that Xamayla Rose stands on and stands by is reflective of the work and leadership that the community both needs and demands. Unlike the other candidates, and from what I’ve seen and have heard, Rose is a real community advocate running. I stand in solidarity with her decision to run and support her in her decision to run. She’s not beholden to other electeds, big money, and she leads with self-accountability which is really important,” said Beckford.
Rose is one of five women still left in the race and a longtime community organizer through her non-profit The Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign, named after her late brother who died due to gun violence. The non-profit works on anti-violence efforts, marches and New York Police Department in schools.
“I’m proud to have Anthony Beckford’s endorsement in this race. Anthony is a well-respected and beloved leader within the community and someone who is easily recognizable as a public servant. I’m grateful for his support and look forward in working together with him,” said Rose.
The special election is slated for Tuesday May 14.
