Fifty-ninth Assembly District Democratic Leader Frank Seddio announced that he is stepping down from the role of Kings County Democratic Party Chairperson, effective Monday, at a meeting of the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club last night.
“After eight years, it’s time for me to pass the torch on,” Seddio said. “I’m proud of the things that we’ve done in the Kings County Democratic Party these eight years, we’ve accomplished a lot of things.”
Beyond just passing the position onto the next generation of Democratic leaders, he explained that being party chairperson cuts into the time he would like to be spending on his law practice.
His announcement was met with audible groans from the audience packed into the room, many having to stand, as Seddio addressed the room from next to his counterpart, District Leader Sue Ann Partnow.
“I know that this was not an easy decision for Frank, because no blood runs through his veins — politics does,” Partnow said. “And I know how important this is to Frank and I know how important this club is to both of us, and he will remain my political partner, we will remain co-leaders here in the club and continue to watch this club grow and be the strongest club it’s always been in New York.”
News of his retiring was first reported on by Brooklyn Paper on Sunday, and it’s likely that Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D- Flatbush, Ditmas Park) will take over the position as chair.
The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, dubbed “TJ Club” by members, is one of Brooklyn’s most organized Democratic clubs and works to help get Democrats elected in Brooklyn. Seddio has been a member of it for over 40 years.
“When you say you’re a member of the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club, trust me, anyone who understands politics knows that means something,” Seddio said, addressing the members of the club. “Your membership here and the work that we do here is a reflection of what all of you are. Each of you contributes one little piece to that giant, really hard rope that makes us unbeatable in everything that we do.”
Other notable local Democratic politicians in attendance of last night’s meeting were City Council Member Alan Maisel (D-Bargen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Sheepshead Bay), Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) and State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill).
None of them strangers to the TJ Club, each official spoke a few words about Seddio, his time as Brooklyn’s Democratic Party Chair and his work with the club.
“Frank did more to bring the Democratic Party together in Kings County than anybody in the last 50 or 60 years,” said Maisel.
Williams agreed, saying that she is eager to see how this next chapter of Seddio’s career plays out, both as District Leader and as a member of the club.
“Frank, with his tenacity, wore so many different hats and [was] always a helping person,” she said. “I just want to say congratulations to this new chapter that you’re turning to and we look forward to working more with you in our home.”
