Kristin Richardson Jordan Drops Out Of Harlem Council Race

HARLEM, NY — Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan is dropping out of the Harlem District 9 City Council race, she wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday morning.

Jordan was slated to defend her seat in the Democratic primary on June 27, after just two years in office.

Jordan, a socialist activist and writer, shook up Harlem's political scene in August 2021 when she defeated longtime incumbent Bill Perkins.

"Unfortunately I am writing this to inform you that I have decided not to seek re-election and not to commit to another two years," Jordan wrote on her Instagram. "I want to thank all those who have stood in solidarity and all volunteers for your time and hard work. I look forward to finishing out this term."

"As always, whether in a seat or not in a seat, I am here and look forward to continuing to fight along side you for community care, economic justice, abolition, liberation, and radical societal change," she wrote.

Jordan's office did not immediately respond to Patch's request for more details.

She did, though, expand on her decision in a different post on her government Instagram.

"There are many reasons for this decision," Jordan wrote. "The behavior of the Harlem Machine is self centered rather that focused around community. Dealing with these bad faith actors — as well as the irresponsible journalism that amplifies them — distracts our energy from the real work."

"In fact, it is often a struggle to even find time to do the 'real work' because of the many ineffectual systems that take up space in politics," she added.

Many people sent messages of support and thanks on her original Instagram announcement.

"Thank you @kristin4harlem for your wonderful and powerful work!" one person wrote on Jordan's Instagram post. "I have no doubt that you will continue to use your gifts of advocacy and transformative love in whatever field and platform life leads you to."

Jordan's name will still be on the ballot in June since she missed the deadline to decline her spot.

The first-term Council member was set to take on Assembly Member Inez Dickens, Assembly Member Al Taylor, and Yusef Salaam in the primary.

Salaam released a statement Tuesday morning on Jordan's announcement.

"Public service is one of the highest callings and I thank Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan for her service and commitment to the Harlem community we call home," Salaam said.

Dickens also released a statement Tuesday morning thanking Jordan for her service.

"I applaud the political participation of all women of color," Dickens said. "I'd like to thank Kristin for her service as Council member."

This is a developing story, please check back in for updates.