September 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: e-mail: info@brooklyndems.com

Brooklyn Democratic Party District Leaders, Executive Committee, and county committee members are celebrating a successful organizational meeting. Photo credit: Shaun Walsh/ Brooklyn Democratic Party

BROOKLYN DEMOCRATIC PARTY SURGES FORWARD:

SUCCESSFUL COUNTY COMMITTEE MEETING REAFFIRMS AUGUST 25 RULES, ELECT COMMUNITY-DRIVEN NEW LEADERS AND PASSES JUSTICE-CENTERED RESOLUTION

Uniting and Championing a Community-Based Team Ready to Move Brooklyn Forward For Every Brooklynite.

Brooklyn, NY – The Kings County Democratic Committee held a highly successful and efficient Organization Meeting, overcoming minor technical delays and late proxy submissions to deliver one of the most consequential gatherings in recent Party history. Members reaffirmed the August 25 rules, elected a new slate of community‑based leaders, filled numerous County Committee vacancies, and passed a major resolution urging New York State to adopt the Elder Parole bill and the Fair & Timely Parole Act.

The Party now moves to its next critical step:

The Executive Committee Meeting to elect the Party Chair and Executive Leadership will be held on:

Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 PM

Brooklyn Commons — 495 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

August 25 Rules Officially Reaffirmed

The County Committee once again passed and reaffirmed the August 25 rules, making them fully official and in force. These rules expand participation, strengthen transparency, and modernize Party governance. Their reaffirmation by the full County Committee marks a decisive step toward a more inclusive, community‑rooted Democratic Party.

New Leadership Elected

In a historic shift, the County Committee elected a diverse slate composed community-driven members, real Brooklyn, everyday people stepping up to lead their Party without titles, status, or political office.



This slate reflects a deliberate commitment to:

• Grassroots leadership
• Community empowerment
• Broad civic participation
• A Party led by the people, not political insiders

Third Vice‑Chairperson: District Leader Anthony Beckford (AD 43) presided over the voting process during the organizational meeting.

On the dais from left to right: Parliamentarian Robert Robinson, Third Vice‑Chairperson: District Leader Anthony Beckford (AD 43) Third Vice‑Chairperson: Renee Collymore (AD 57) First Assistant Secretary Alan Rocoff

Registration process during in the City Tech lobby.

Electronic voting devices (Clickers) were provided for voting members to expedite the voting process.

Breakfast and lunch were provided

Vacancies Filled Across County Committee

The Party filled numerous County Committee vacancies, expanding representation across Brooklyn and ensuring more neighborhoods have active voices in Party governance.

County Committee Passes Resolution Supporting Elder Parole & Fair & Timely Parole

The County Committee overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging the New York State Legislature and Governor to enact the Elder Parole bill (S454/A514) and the Fair & Timely Parole Act (S159/A127).

The resolution cites stark findings from the attached report, including:

“The population of roughly 32,000 New Yorkers in state prison is getting older and sicker year by year…”

“The report called long sentences & racially‑biased parole denials New York’s new death penalty.”

Additional documented facts include:

• 4,152 missed releases for Black and Latino/a New Yorkers since 2016
• 60% of parole denials based solely on the original conviction
• 18% of Brooklyn residents in prison are age 55+
• 40% serving life sentences, the highest rate in the state
• Deaths behind bars every 2.5 days in 2024
• Over 80,000 children statewide impacted by parental incarceration
• $522 million in annual savings projected if both bills pass

The resolution affirms that transformed elders can strengthen community safety as mentors, counselors, and leaders — and that no one should be condemned to die in prison without meaningful consideration of rehabilitation. Click here for the resolution

With the August 25 rules reaffirmed and new leadership elected, the Party now moves to the next formal step: electing the Party Chair and Executive Leadership on September 29 at Brooklyn Commons. This meeting will operate under the newly reaffirmed rules, ensuring transparent procedures, inclusive participation, and a modernized governance structure.

The Kings County Democratic Party will hold its Executive Committee Meeting to elect the Party Chair and Executive Leadership on:

Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 PM

Brooklyn Commons

495 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11225

This will be streamed. Space is limited to the Executive Committee members.