Tyrell Hankerson sworn in to lead Queens’ ‘Great 28’

New York City officially welcomed Tyrell “Ty” Hankerson as the new Council Member for District 28, which encompasses the Queens neighborhoods of South Jamaica, South Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Ozone Park. It was a packed inauguration ceremony on Sunday evening, Jan. 4, 2026, at Rochdale Village’s Grand Ballroom, where attendance exceeded the venue’s 550-person capacity and required two overflow rooms.

The event featured performances by The Bartlett Contemporaries, Untouchable Movement Dance Company, and the Elite Marching Band of Queens, as well as renditions of national anthems.

A packed audience gathers to support Council Member Tyrell “Ty” Hankerson at his swearing-in ceremony.Photo by Orlande Fleury

Hundreds of residents, faith leaders, community advocates, and elected officials gathered to witness the historic moment as Hankerson was formally sworn in by his mentor, colleague, and predecessor, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams. The ceremony marked a full-circle moment for Hankerson, who previously served as Adams’ District Chief of Staff and Community Outreach Director.

“Tonight marks a new chapter for ‘The Great 28,’ and I’m stepping into this role with gratitude, faith, and a clear mandate from the people who put their trust in me. I’ve been in the rooms where commitments are made, and I’ve seen how easily communities get stalled out by bureaucracy and selective amnesia,” said New York City Council Member Ty Hankerson.

Adrienne E. Adams administered the oath of office and reflected on Hankerson’s readiness: “I proudly install my successor, Ty Hankerson, who has served this community with experience and love. It is fitting he now embarks on this next level of public service,” said Adams.

Hankerson ran a robust campaign focused on quality-of-life issues for District 28 residents. His immediate priorities include expanding youth services by increasing access to jobs, internships, and mentorships. He also identified strengthening support for seniors as an early priority, pledging to protect senior programming and maintain senior centers’ operations. Addressing affordable housing remains critical, and Hankerson reiterated his commitment to fighting gentrification and rising costs. He affirmed during his inaugural address that delivering on these targeted priorities will guide his first actions as a council member.

“We face real challenges, like rising costs, housing pressures, food deserts, flooding, sanitation, and safety, but we can tackle them together without losing our neighborhoods’ dignity,” Hankerson said.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James delivers a supportive address during the council member’s swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Orlande Fleury

Leaders from across the city and state government voiced strong support for Hankerson. New York State Attorney General Letitia James urged him to “speak truth to power,” while U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks called him “the right man at the right time.” Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams highlighted Hankerson’s grounding in service, and Comptroller Mark Levine pointed to the size of the crowd as evidence of public confidence in the new council member.