Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) has proven to be a formidable political animal when it comes to winning elections.
Her back-to-back wins in landslides for both the special election for Public Advocate and the 45th Council District has placed her as a force to be reckoned with.
The Haitian lawmaker has both times brought out droves of voters, most remarkably she has been able to make a strong alliance with the Orthodox Jewish community, making for a Haitian-Jewish voting bloc with significant influence to decide elections.
This was noticeable in last night’s election party as Bichotte shared the stage with City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay) and other prominent community members from the Jewish community.
Deutsch played a significant role in consolidating votes for Louis, using his influence as a Jewish political powerbroker in working with the Flatbush Jewish Community Council, which he says was responsible for Louis receiving over 1,000 votes from the Orthodox Jewish community.
Also helping to build the Jewish-Haitian voting block is Mark Meyer Appel, whose Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project in the district has been a hub of Jewish and Haitian activity
This was borne out in Assemblymember Helene Weinstein‘s 41st District, which includes a good portion of the Jewish part of the district, including Sheepshead Bay Madison-Marine and into Flatlands. Louis took over 50 percent of the 41st assembly district with 1,086 of the 2,181 votes cast.
In Bichotte’s district, where she is both the assemblymember and the female district leader and where her Haitian-American cousin Josue (Josh) Pierre is the male district leader, Louis also took over 50 percent or 1,767 of the 1,3547 votes cast. This includes not only a large swath of Haitian-American voters, but the growing Little Pakistan Muslim community centered around Newkirk Avenue and Foster Road.
“Look I’m the type of person that if I support a candidate, I am going to go all the way. And when I go all the way, it means to win. So if they say I am a queen maker they can,” said Bichotte.
Though many like to cite Bichotte as the leader of the Haitian vote, she credited last night’s win as one for all ethnic backgrounds.
“It wasn’t just Haitians who voted for us. The Haitian community is obviously very happy to have another voice but they know that that voice is not only going to be the Haitian voice. It’s a voice that is going to represent all. But you know they are happy that that voice can speak Creole,” Bichotte said giddily.
With Louis’ victory, Bichotte also shored up ties with Kings County Democratic Party Boss Frank Seddio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Councilman Justin Brannan (Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) – all 0f whom also supported Louis.
This could help both Adams in his expected run for mayor and Brannan, who is gaining both political clout and has the political skillset to become Brooklyn’s first City Council Speaker in 2021.
Bichotte also brought out several lawmakers at the victory party from Southeast Queens, including State Sen. James Sanders Jr. and Haitian-American Assemblymember Clyde Vanel. City Councilmember Helen Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) was also at the victory party and looks to mount a strong campaign for city comptroller in 2021.
Another Haitian-American worth keeping in mind, but who is both under the radar and often underestimated, is term-limited City Councilman Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens).
Eugene was not at the victory party, but he is eyeing the borough president’s seat in 2021, and also has strong Haitian and Jewish support. While Eugene and Bichotte don’t run in the same Haitian-American circles, they could join forces, particularly if Pierre makes a play for Eugene’s term-limited council seat.
Meanwhile, Louis, although seemingly running in Bichotte’s shadow, showcased a wealth of knowledge during the campaign. She is young, smart, charismatic and has a bright future ahead of her.
As for Bichotte’s future, she remains silent for now. Rumors abound, however, that she may take on U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, run for mayor herself, seek statewide office or look to replace Seddio as county boss should he retire.
Time will tell.
