FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Brooklyn Democrats Move Toward a Wider, More Inclusive Bench of Decision‑Makers

Proposed rule change would expand representation ahead of County Committee convention

Brooklyn, NY — Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, announced a major step toward expanding representation and strengthening internal democracy within Kings County’s party structure.

Under the proposed rules, additional officers would continue to be elected by members of the Kings County Democratic County Committee at its organizational meeting. This expanded structure is designed to give more Brooklyn Democrats a seat at the table and a direct voice in the decisions of the Party.

The proposal would also broaden the Executive Committee so that the newly elected officers — along with representatives from every Assembly District — will have a seat at the table with full voting rights, ensuring they can participate directly in the Party’s most crucial decisions.

The expanded structure is intended to open doors for more Democrats to contribute, lead, and help shape the future of the county.

“This is about building a Party where more people can lead, more people can contribute, and more people can shape the future of Brooklyn,” said Bichotte Hermelyn. “Democracy works when everyone has a seat.”

Brooklyn has the largest number of registered Democrats in the state, but one of the smallest leadership structures. Neighboring counties like Manhattan and Staten Island, have broader representation in their leadership.

“We’re in a new moment, with a new generation of Democratic energy and progressive victories showing what is possible when more people see themselves reflected in the political process,” Bichotte Hermelyn added. “This is the time to build on that momentum by opening more doors, bringing more Democrats into leadership and strengthening our party from the grassroots up. Expanding leadership will help us grow our coalition, develop the next generation of leaders and build a stronger Democratic Party capable of delivering for working families while opposing increasingly extremist Republicans.”

“No faction gets to declare the outcome before Democrats have actually voted,” said Anthony Beckford, District Leader and Rules Committee Chair. “Brooklyn is one of the most diverse places in America, and our party leadership should make room for more of those voices. As a disabled veteran and Black Lives Matter leader activist, I know representation cannot simply be something we talk about. It has to be reflected in who has a seat and a vote.”

“Reform should mean expanding democracy,” said District Leader Kenesha Traynham‑Cooper. “If more County Committee members can elect more leaders who have a real vote and a real voice, that is greater representation. Brooklyn Democrats should welcome more people into the room instead of fighting over who gets to control a smaller table.”

“Brooklyn Democrats are not interested in replacing one gatekeeper with another,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “We want a party where more Democrats participate, more communities are represented, and more people have a vote. That is what grassroots democracy looks like.”

The reforms mark a new era for the Brooklyn Democratic Party — one focused on transparency, inclusion, and expanding leadership opportunities for Democrats across every neighborhood.

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