Brooklyn Assembly Member District 55 Candidate Profile: Latrice Walker

BROOKLYN, NY — Latrice M. Walker, 45, a Democrat and the incumbent candidate, is running for Assemblymember in District 55, which includes parts of Crown Heights, Brownsville, Bed-Stuy and Ocean Hill, in Brooklyn's general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Walker, a Brownsville native, currently holds the position of Assemblymember for District 55.

Before taking office in 2015, she was a practicing attorney who represented tenants and people targeted by the New York City Police Department's stop-and-frisk policy. She also provided counsel to Brooklyn Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

Patch recently asked Walker four questions about her campaign and district. See her replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for Brooklyn offices in the 2024 general election. Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

PATCH: What are your qualifications to run for office?

WALKER: As the incumbent in the 55th Assembly District, I bring nearly a decade of legislative experience in Albany. I have been at the forefront of criminal justice legislation, widely recognized as the engine behind bail reform in New York State, and a proud co- sponsor of the Clean Slate Act, which was signed into law last year. I was also the Assembly sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, which was signed into law two years ago. The law delivers the most comprehensive set of voting protections of any state in America. I am also particularly proud of one of my bills that was signed into law earlier this month that expands access to prenatal care in New York State.

PATCH: What are the key issues in your district that you'd tackle in office? How would you tackle them?

WALKER: The key issues that I hope to focus on during the next legislative session are housing, criminal justice, education, the needs of our seniors, and creating greater opportunities for small businesses. In general, I will approach each of my priorities with an eye toward smart legislation. I have been able to work closely with advocates and to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I am a person who will not hesitate to march, rally or fight for expenditures to improve people’s lives. Whatever it takes to deliver for my constituents and underserved communities across the state. In other words, I am more than prepared to agitate, advocate, and legislate.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidate?

WALKER: I have a record of delivering for my constituents. I have experience. I have passion. I take the concerns of my constituents seriously and work very hard to keep lines of communication open through monthly meetings, community events, visits to senior centers, fortifying the bridge between police and residents of the district, and disseminating a weekly newsletter. I am particularly focused on the issues that have an impact on residents of the more than two dozen NYCHA developments in my district. I, too, grew up in public housing, so I bring that shared experience to the table.

PATCH: What is one thing that always makes you smile about your district?

WALKR: You can’t possibly hold me to one thing. I smile when I think about going to Betsy Head Pool in the neighborhood as a kid. I reminisce fondly about jumping rope in the street with my Double Dutch crew. This is the district that raised me. I live right across the street from my elementary school. Having grown up in the neighborhood, it gives me a great sense of pride to be able to pour back into the people and the community that poured so much into me. And that is something to smile about.