Politics & Government
Special Election For Crown Heights Assembly Seat Set For March
The governor has set a date for the 60th Assembly District to fill a vacancy left by Diana Richardson, who became deputy borough president.
CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — A date has been set for the special election in Brooklyn's Assembly District 43, which will decide who will fill the vacancy left by Diana Richardson.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared this week that the special election will be held on Tuesday, March 22.
It comes after Richardson, who has served the 43rd District since 2015, left the seat to become the deputy borough president under newly-elected Borough President Antonio Reynoso. The 43rd District includes parts of Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Garden, East Flatbush and Wingate.
Find out what's happening in Prospect Heights-Crown Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Central Brooklyn has been exceptionally well-served by Assemblymember Richardson and the entire borough will be better off for having her in Borough Hall," Hochul said. "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.”
So far, five candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to replace Richardson, according to reports:
Find out what's happening in Prospect Heights-Crown Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Jelanie DeShong, an Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs for the governor who has gained the support of Richardson, U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie.
- Brian Cunningham, who worked as chief of staff under former Council Member Laurie Cumbo.
- Tim Hunter, a member of Community Board 17 and former spokesperson for state Sen. Julia Salazar.
- Pierre Albert, who worked as an aide to Eric Adams when he was in the state senate and under Karim Camara, who served in Richardson's assembly seat prior to her.
- Sharon Wedderburn, who was in the running in the 35th City Council District last year.
The nominee for the Democratic Party will be chosen by a committee meeting, though a date has not yet been set for the vote, according to the Brooklyn Paper.
The 43rd District is among several in New York City that will hold special election this year. East New York's 60th District and Upper Manhattan's 72nd will both hold their elections on Feb. 15.
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