This Saturday, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took a solid victory lap as vote counters determined the race in their favor with a majority of electoral college votes, 290 to Donald Trump’s 214.
Brooklyn electeds genuinely seemed to rejoice with the rest of New York City as the news spread over the rambunctious weekend.
“Brooklyn has spoken. New York has spoken. Our country has spoken. A new day, and new leadership, is coming to America,” said Borough President Eric Adams.
“The American people have proven that the divisive and inflammatory politics of President Donald J. Trump is not what defines our country,” said City Councilmember Farah N. Louis (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington).
Louis said that the presidential election has reinvigorated the American spirit, and the historic voter registration and turnout was emblematic of our determination to send a resounding message that every vote counts and representation matters.
“When we stand together, we all win. It is deeply moving that Joe Biden will be walking into the White House with Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first person of color, at the top of our government, especially after the divisiveness of the last four years. Now we prepare to go to work to repair the damage inflicted on this country for the last four years as we rebuild bigger and better,” said Democratic Party Boss and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park), who is also the first woman and woman of color in her political position as well.
U.S. Rep Yvette Clarke (D-Central Brooklyn) said that the historic win was a reaffirmation of women, communities of color, immigrants, and all Americans.
“Vice President-Elect Harris has made history as the first Black woman and the first Asian woman to hold the second most powerful position in our country. For the first time in our history, millions of little girls of color across our nation will soon have someone in the White House that looks like them and unequivocally speaks for them,” said Clarke.
U.S. Rep Hakeem Jeffries (D-Central Brooklyn) added to that sentiment, saying that the “late, great Shirley Chisholm is smiling down from heaven” because of Harris’ win.
“From day one, the House Democratic Caucus will have a close partnership with the new president to decisively crush the virus, provide direct relief to everyday Americans who are struggling and revive our nation’s economy. The American people have already been waiting for months for President Trump and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to address their suffering and save lives from this deadly pandemic. Now that Americans have also made it clear at the ballot box that they are ready for relief, Senate Republicans must work with us immediately to send bipartisan legislation to the president for his swift signature,” said Jeffries, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus.
Attorney General Letitia James said the road ahead to a more united nation will be hard and arduous, but under new leadership, there is no doubt that the nation will overcome it.
“As this nightmarish chapter of American leadership comes to an end, we must begin the work in earnest to bridge the divide and repair the fractures among Americans,” said James.
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, DUMBO) thanked everyone who voted, poll workers who put in long hours, and members of the United States Postal Service for overcoming illegal obstacles to deliver the mail.
“Thank you to everyone who made calls, and texted and knocked on doors to get out the vote. We have a lot more work to do but, for now, it’s time to celebrate this historic day,” said Simon.
