Kings County Democratic Chair Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) along with City Council Members Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) and Farah Louis (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, Midwood) yesterday endorsed Donovan Richards for Queens Borough President.
They now join U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in Brooklyn’s support for Donovan Richards. Jeffries district which stretches across Central Brooklyn also includes Howard Beach and Ozone Park in Queens.
“Now more than ever, we need strong leaders at every level of government who don’t shy away from the tough issues but take them head-on. Donovan Richards has been a leader at the forefront of critically important issues like criminal justice reform and affordable housing, and I know that he will continue to lead us forward. I’m proud to endorse him for Queens Borough President and look forward to working with him to improve the lives of hard-working New Yorkers,” said Bichotte.
“As Donovan’s colleague in the City Council, I’ve seen how dedicated he is to improving our city for working families. Donovan and I came up together as council staffers and formed an immediate bond because we both believe in the power of using government as a vessel for real, tangible, quality of life improvements for all New Yorkers. Whether it was guiding the communities of his district after Hurricane Sandy, his work on criminal justice reform, or improving mass transit options for outer-borough communities like ours, Donovan Richards has gotten results. As Queens Borough President I know that he will continue to build on his solid track record and improve the lives of all Queens residents,” said Brannan.
“During my time in the City Council, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication that Donovan Richards has to his constituents and our city. He has worked hard to improve public safety and hold the NYPD accountable while leading the Council’s Public Safety Committee and has brought thousands of units of affordable housing to his district. I know that he will continue that hard work as Queens Borough President, and I am proud to support him,” said Louis.
The Brooklyn endorsements highlight a growing positive relationship between Bichotte and Queens County Democratic Party Chair U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, which could play out more in the 2021 City Council Speaker’s race if the two boroughs unite.
It also comes as amid signs that the progressive socialist left, which has grown in power after the elections of U.S. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens) and State Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn) and the near victory for progressive darling Tiffany Caban in the Queens District Attorney race might be weakening, particularly with Democratic Socialist U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) recent losses to former Vice President Joe Biden in the recent presidential primaries.
Richards also has the support of a number of mainstream Democratic elected officials including State Senators Leroy Comrie and James Sanders Jr., Assembly Members Alicia Hyndman, Clyde Vanel, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Vivian Cook, Catherine Nolan, Nily Rozic and David Weprin, Council Members I. Daneek Miller and Adrienne Adams.
The special election for Queens Borough President is slated for Tuesday, March 24.
