A candidate for the special election to fill the now-vacant 45h District City Council seat is dropping out.
Louis “Lou” Cespedes this week announced that he no longer seeks to succeed now Special Public Advocate Jumaane Williams vacant council district seat.
“For the last few weeks I have been reflecting on whether to continue my campaign for the City Council seat in District 45. Given the expedited political calendar, I believe there is not enough time for me to fully articulate my vision for my community,” said Cespedes.
Cespedes noted the crowded field of minorities in the race, citing that he didn’t want to pull away from ensuring a candidate of color wins the seat.
“Additionally, the number of candidates of color that are splitting the vote presents the real threat of losing our representation in this community. I want no part of this,” added Cespedes.
This was a second run for this seat for Cespedes who in 2017 challenged then-incumbent Williams for the position.
The Brooklynite will now look to focus on the issues facing the district as a community organizer and leader.
“I am certain that I have the skills and the leadership to make our community successful. I am also wise enough to walk away and realize that this is not my time. I will re-focus my efforts on continuing the hard work against the re-zoning of E. Flatbush, and advocating for better policies for everyday families. During this time I will reflect and pray for guidance as I contemplate the future with my family and supporters. Thank you for your confidence and your faith,” said Cespedes.
With Cespedes out of contention, there now remains 10 candidates in the field including newcomer Hercules Reid, the youngest candidate at just 26-years-old. He graduated from City Tech, a City University of New York (CUNY) school, in 2017 and most recently served as the Legislative Director of the University Student Senate, according to Bklyner.
Also in the race is James L. Similien, who ran against Williams in 2013 for the same seat, losing the primary to the eventual Councilman.
Additionally, there is Victor Jordan, who actually filed a committee to run for the 45th Council seat just a few days after Williams won the public advocate seat. Victor is a small business owner who consults as an economist. He also works as an adjunct at the City University of New York (CUNY).
The special election for the 45th Council District is set for May 14.
