Crown Heights Assembly Member Named Deputy Borough President

BROOKLYN, NY — Local Assemblymember Diana Richardson has been tapped for a new role in Brooklyn Borough Hall, setting up her Central Brooklyn district for a special election this year.

Richardson, who has served the 43rd District since 2015, will become the deputy borough president under newly-elected Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the pair announced Monday.

"After six years serving as your Assemblywoman, I will be leaving this role to serve you in a different way; as Brooklyn’s next Deputy Borough President," Richardson wrote in a letter to constituents.

"...I have advocated for this community with clean hands and a clean heart, with everything I have inside of me, but I believe that there is more my destiny has in store for me - not only for Central Brooklyn but for the entire Borough, and I hope you continue this journey with me."

The appointment leaves a vacancy in the 43rd District, which includes parts of Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Garden, East Flatbush and Wingate.

It will now become the site of one of several special elections slated for New York City this year, most likely in March, according to the City and State. Special elections are also expected in East Harlem, Upper Manhattan, East New York and potentially East Flatbush, the outlet notes.

In her new role, Richardson will focus on "addressing food insecurity, reducing gun violence, and supporting Brooklyn’s Community Boards and ensuring they are reflective of the communities they serve," according to the BP's office.

“Diana has shown time and again that she is committed to standing up for the most vulnerable among us, and I know that she shares our vision of creating a Brooklyn that works for all of us," Reynoso said. "I’m proud to bring her on as Deputy Borough President and ready to get to work together advocating for all Brooklynites.”

Richardson pointed to her work on 15 laws signed by the governor during her time in the assembly, including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and a package of gun violence reforms last year.

Her tenure has not been without controversy. Along with Reynoso, Richardson was among top elected officials who called for the resignation of Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn late last year.

Richardson has also made headlines for defending corporal punishment of her son and several outbursts in the legislature or at local meetings, according to reports from the time.

Monday, Richardson promised constituents she wouldn't be going far as she transitions to Borough Hall.

"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," she said. "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."