Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday issued a proclamation declaring that a special election to fill the vacancy in the 43rd Assembly District, previously held by former Assembly Member Diana Richardson, will be held on Tuesday, March 22.
Richardson, the daughter of St. Martin and Aruban immigrants, has been appointed deputy Brooklyn borough president.
“With Assemblymember Richardson heading to Brooklyn Borough Hall, I am declaring a special election to fill this vacancy and ensure representation for the residents of the 43rd Assembly District,” Gov. Hochul said.
“Central Brooklyn has been exceptionally well-served by Assemblymember Richardson, and the entire borough will be better off for having her in Borough Hall,” she added. “The residents of the 43rd Assembly District will make their voices heard next month, and I look forward to building a productive working relationship with their next representative.”
On Wednesday, the Brooklyn Democratic Party also announced that, on Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, it will hold its first 2022 candidate forum, featuring five democratic candidates vying to fill the now-vacant 43rd Assembly District seat covering Crown Heights, parts of Flatbush, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
The virtual forum will be moderated by District Leaders of the 43rd AD Edu Hermelyn, Sarana Purcell and BYD President, Jermaine Isaac, and kicks off at 7:00 pm.
The event will be live-streamed on the Kings County Democratic County Committee Facebook and YouTube pages.
Please submit questions in advance to kcdcc2020@gmail.com.
In January, newly-elected Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced that he was bringing on Assemblymember Richardson as deputy borough president.
In her new role, Reynoso, a former New York City Council Member, said Richardson will be focused on addressing food insecurity, reducing gun violence, and supporting Brooklyn’s Community Boards and ensuring they are reflective of the communities they serve.
Reynoso said Richardson is a lifelong Brooklyn resident and a committed public servant.
Since 2015, she served the 43rd Assembly District in Central Brooklyn.
“For years, Assemblymember Richardson has been an unwavering progressive voice and a powerful advocate for her community in Central Brooklyn,” Reynoso said. “From tackling food insecurity and gun violence in our communities to delivering historic tenant protections and criminal justice reform, Diana has been on the frontlines fighting for the kind of progressive policies that transform communities.”
Much like Reynoso, Richardson said she has dedicated her life to serving the community that raised her.
“I’m honored to be able to continue that service in Borough Hall,” she said. “Our borough has been hit hard by this pandemic, particularly the communities of color, small businesses, and essential workers on the frontlines, and I’m ready to work alongside Borough President Reynoso to uplift working families and deliver a recovery that centers the most vulnerable among us.
“Borough President Reynoso is a coalition builder and a progressive champion, and I know that together we can deliver a stronger, more equitable future for Brooklyn,” she added.
In an email message to constituents, Richardson said it was “a deep honor to represent the 43rd Assembly District, a vibrant community that has raised me, with its own distinct presence, so rich in culture, and an unyielding spirit like no other.
“Your willingness to take a chance on my leadership means the world to me, and the bond we have built has been incredibly special.,” she said. “I will be the first to admit I am not like the traditional elected official — I am shaped differently and move through political spaces in my own way. Yet, I am so grateful for your ongoing commitment and support over the years.
“Considering all that we have accomplished together, the memories we have formed and shared together have formed a special place in my heart including, the block parties, faith services, senior events, and community activities,” Richardson added. “I appreciate our endless conversations talking out ways to solve problems, and our ability to learn from one another, and to grow from both our differences and the commonalities we share.
“I look forward to working alongside Borough President Antonio Reynoso to continue to uplift our communities and build a stronger Brooklyn for all of us,” she continued. “I am not leaving you; I am still here and will now serve you in a different way, from a different seat and at a different angle. While I will go on to serve the entire Borough, never forget that I am your neighbor and your ally. Leadership is visible, and you will never have to look hard to find me.”
