Donovan Richards Launches Queens Borough President Campaign

QUEENS, NY — City Council Member Donovan Richards launched his campaign for Queens borough president Wednesday, casting himself as the leader of a rapidly changing borough.

The Democratic lawmaker is the latest entrant into a likely race to replace incumbent Borough President Melinda Katz, who's favored to win next month's election for Queens district attorney.

"For some in Queens there has been growth, but far too many of our communities have been left behind," Richards said in a 75-second campaign video released Wednesday. "While we watch luxury buildings pierce the sky, far too many of our children live with mold in public housing. We must do better."

Richards was first elected to in 2013 to represent the 31st Council District, which includes the Southeast Queens neighborhoods of Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway and Edgemere.

In the video, Richards said he was motivated to enter public service as a teenager after his childhood friend was shot to death. Since taking office, he's held the NYPD's feet to the fire as chair of the council's Public Safety Committee and pushed the city to build a new police precinct in Rosedale.

Richards pledged to take the reins of the "new Queens" and ensure that marginalized people are not left behind as the borough grows.

"The new Queens is where over 200 different languages are celebrated, not challenged," he said in the video. "I’m committed to making it work for everyone."

Richards is already in a crowded field of candidates vying to replace Katz, the Democratic nominee for Queens DA. Other Democratic hopefuls include state Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman and council members Jimmy Van Bramer and Costa Constantinides. Council Member Paul Vallone, former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley and Assembly Member Ron Kim have also been raising money for bids, according to THE CITY.

A special election for Katz's job would likely be held early next year if she wins the Nov. 5 general election against Republican DA candidate Joe Murray.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the Republican candidate for Queens district attorney. He is Joe Murray, not Daniel Kogan.