Last night, in front of the Democratic club he helped found 6 years ago, Brooklyn activist Chris McCreight announced he is running for the Democratic District Leader in the 46th Assembly District.
The 46th Assembly District includes Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and a small slice of Brighton Beach. The incumbent is Mark Davidovich.
Separately, Paige Bellenbaum, the female Democratic District Leader in the 52nd Assembly District announced she is stepping down to devote more time to her young children and family. The district includes Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill.
The position of District Leader is also known as State Committee. A State Committeeperson is an unpaid, volunteer, elected official who serves on the Executive Committee of a County political party for a two-year term. In Kings County registered Democrats are responsible for electing two Democratic State Committee persons, one male and one female, in each New York State Assembly District. There are 21 Assembly Districts in Brooklyn and thus there are 42 Democratic State Committee persons.
“I am running for District Leader to build a stronger Democratic Party for everybody, no matter age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or income,” McCreight said to a full house at a meeting of the Bay Ridge Democrats. “As District Leader, I will not only bring an independent voice to the Kings County Executive Committee, but I’ll work tirelessly to help elect Democrats whose first priority is lifting up our neighborhoods.”
McCreight sent a message across the aisle to Republicans, who maintain a foothold despite waning support in southern Brooklyn. “In this part of Brooklyn, we’re represented by a Republican in both Congress and the New York State Senate. Their priorities don’t represent the Brooklyn we remember or the one we live in today, and it’s not acceptable.”
McCreight also called on his neighbors to commit to “rooting out corruption, no matter which party it lives in.” “One of the reasons I co-founded the Bay Ridge Democrats was to help elect, not just Democrats, but good Democrats,” McCreight said. “I am running for District Leader because we need a Democratic Party that promotes Democratic values. We need a Party that fights to raise the minimum wage to $15, protects women’s rights, stands up for students and teachers, and isn’t bullied by greedy developers.”
Striking a proudly progressive note, McCreight insisted that it was time for Brooklyn Democrats to “lead the charge in helping ordinary people take back their government from big campaign donors and special interests that couldn’t care less about us.”
In the coming months, McCreight intends to bring his message of honest government, Democratic values, and strengthening the Kings County Democratic Party to “my neighbors from Bay Ridge, where I live, to Coney Island, where I work.”
You can read more about Chris McCreight and why he is running for District Leader at www.chrismccreight.com.
Bellenbaum announced she was stepping down in a letter to the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID)
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you my decision to step down from the Female District Leader position of the 52 AD. It has been a true honor to get to know each and every one of you – and to be a part of such a progressive and committed democratic reform club,” she wrote.
“I am proud of the accomplishments that I have helped to achieve in my role as District Leader. It was an honor to support Assemblymember (Jo Anne) Simon‘s race and to serve the majority of my term by her side. I feel privileged to have played a role in getting the first openly LGBTQ judge on the bench, and adding an extra annual meeting to county committee, all of which have been more inclusive over the last year.
I was so very lucky to be paired with such an amazing counterpart. I will miss working side by side with (Male District Leader) Josh Skaller, who has become one of my dearest friends. But now Josh and Jo Anne will have the opportunity to work with a person who I believe will be a great successor. Jo Anne has asked IND member Anne Swern to fill the remainder of my term. Anne is a wonderful choice and I ask CBID to join me in supporting Anne. Anne is a true asset to the community, and will serve you well moving forward.”
