Caribbean-American candidates contest key races in New York Democratic Primary

Several Caribbean and Caribbean-American candidates are on the ballot as voters head to the polls for Tuesday's Democratic Primary in New York, with contests ranging from congressional and state party leadership races to a Brooklyn Civil Court judgeship.

Among the candidates are Caribbean-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants; Haitian-born New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse; New York State Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants; Trinidadian-born Assembly Member Jaime Williams; District Leader Anthony Beckford, the son of Jamaican immigrants; and Guyanese-born attorney Michelle DeSouza-Forte, who is seeking a Civil Court judgeship in Brooklyn.

Seeking re-election in Brooklyn's predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District, Clarke said "proven fighters" are needed in the United States Congress.

"The stakes could not be higher, and my determination for this community could not be stronger," said Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. "We have to fight like our lives depend on it. Act like our nation's future is on the line. Vote like our livelihoods depend on it, because they do."

"So, Brooklyn, are you with me? Are we ready to fight back?" she asked. "Because our community is counting on us, and the soul of this nation is on the line, let's get out there. When we fight, we win."

Clarke said she brings her passion for her Caribbean heritage to Congress, where she also co-chairs the Congressional Caribbean Caucus and works to strengthen relations between the United States and the Caribbean Community. She is also a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and has served in Congress since 2007.

In Brooklyn's 58th Assembly District, Narcisse and Chandler-Waterman are locked in a closely watched contest for district leader.

"Today is the day," Narcisse told constituents Tuesday morning. "Polls are open until 9:00 p.m., and I am asking for your vote."

Narcisse said she is seeking re-election as the Democratic state committee member, also known as district leader, for the 58th Assembly District.

"It is an unpaid role, but it is how East Flatbush, Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Brownsville keep a voice where the real decisions get made," she said.

"I spent my career as a nurse before I ever ran for office. I know what it means to take care of people, and that is exactly what I have done in this seat since 2022. I am not done."

Narcisse said she is "proud to have the support" of former Assembly Member and former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry, who first encouraged her to serve in the role.

Chandler-Waterman said she hopes to convince voters in the 58th Assembly District that she can best represent their interests as a member of the Kings County Democratic Committee.

She said serving as district leader would help ensure "a fair and equitable judicial nomination process, recommending responsible poll workers and election inspectors to work on Election Day, and continue my grassroots advocacy to educate voters."

A district leader is elected by registered Democrats in an Assembly district to serve on the New York State Democratic Committee, the governing body of the state Democratic Party. The unpaid position includes responsibilities such as nominating judges and voting on party rules, platform positions, and leadership.

Meanwhile, Beckford is seeking re-election as district leader for Brooklyn's 43rd Assembly District.

Since taking office in 2024, Beckford said he has remained committed to the priorities outlined during his campaign. He said he has appointed the most poll workers in Brooklyn, helped elevate judges with deep community ties, created five new youth and senior initiatives, and brought additional resources to the district.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran also said he has remained "outspoken against Trump, his administration and the racist, tyrannical policies that they have implemented."

Beckford said he has worked alongside Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants; Haitian-born Council Member Rita Joseph; and other elected officials and community organizations to advocate for education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, workers' rights, and protections against deed theft.

Williams, who represents Brooklyn's 59th Assembly District, highlighted a broad coalition of support from elected officials, labor organizations, faith leaders, and community advocates.

She said the endorsements reflect her work on affordability, neighborhood investments, community services, and support for homeowners, tenants, seniors, and working families.

"I am grateful for the support of so many community leaders, organisations and elected officials who share my commitment to serving the people of our district," Williams said. "Together, we have worked to bring resources, investments and opportunities to our neighbourhoods."

"I look forward to continuing that work on behalf of the families, seniors, homeowners, and young people who call this community home. I encourage every eligible voter to participate in this election and make their voice heard," she added.

DeSouza-Forte, who is seeking a Civil Court judgeship in Brooklyn's 6th Municipal District, said she has secured endorsements from a growing coalition of community and Democratic leaders.

She said the New York City Bar has approved her candidacy and that she has also received endorsements from several elected officials, including Caribbean nationals in Brooklyn, as well as the New York Progressive Action Network.

"I am honoured to receive the support of respected elected officials, district leaders and community advocates who have dedicated themselves to serving Brooklyn," DeSouza-Forte said. "These endorsements reflect a shared belief that our courts must be fair, impartial and accessible to everyone who enters them."

"I am grateful for their confidence in my experience, integrity and commitment to public service," she added. "Local Civil Court judges make decisions that affect families, tenants, consumers, workers, and small businesses every day."

DeSouza-Forte said she is running because she believes everyone appearing before the court deserves fairness, professionalism, and a judge who understands the real-life impact of judicial decisions.

Currently on leave from her role as an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department, DeSouza-Forte migrated from Guyana in 1985, grew up in East Flatbush, and now lives in Canarsie, Brooklyn.