The Hercules Reid Campaign announced on Wednesday that Mayor Eric Adams has backed his candidacy for the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, while his contender Monique Chandler-Waterman said the day before that Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso has endorsed her for the seat vacated by former New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry.
Jamaican-born Perry was sworn-in on Monday by Vice President Kamala Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father, as the first Jamaican national to become United States Ambassador to Jamaica.
Reid, who claims Jamaican roots, is contesting the Special Election on May 24 and is also running in the upcoming Primary Election.
Adams and Reid rallied together with supporters Wednesday morning.
“Democrat Hercules Reid has my full and strong support,” Adams said. “He’s been by my side working to keep our city safe, helping us recover from this pandemic, fighting for working families, and ensuring justice for all our communities.
“I need you to vote for Hercules for State Assembly in the Special Election on the ‘Education is Key’ party line on Tuesday, May 24,” he added.
Democrat Hercules Reid – who is an activist, organizer and community advocate, with also union roots – said he was “humbled to have Mayor Adams’ endorsement.
“He has been a great mentor to me, and it has been an honor to work alongside him, first in Borough Hall and at City Hall,” said Reid, who previously served as an assistant to the Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, and advised on youth and education justice, transportation, safety, health and housing.
“As we look to the future of our city, I’m focused on tackling gun violence and making our communities safer, creating opportunities for our young people, and delivering truly affordable housing,” he added. “I’m excited to continue working alongside Mayor Adams.”
Reid said the mayor joins a growing coalition of support, which includes DC37, New York City District Council of Carpenters, Sen. Kevin Parker, Democratic District Leader candidate Debbie Louis and several community leaders.
Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Barbadian and Jamaican immigrants, said, on the other hand, that she was “happy to announce the growing list of endorsements” for her campaign.
“Monique Chandler-Waterman is a proven leader, and I know she’ll be a strong representative in Albany for the people of the 58th Assembly District,” said Reynoso in his endorsement. “Over the years I’ve known Monique, I’ve seen her dedication to public service and aiding the most vulnerable members of our community.
“I know she’ll continue that work in the legislature, and that is why I am proud to endorse her run for the State Assembly,” he added.
Chandler-Waterman said she was also “honored to have earned the support of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“As a Member of the City Council, and now as Borough President, Antonio has always understood that community comes first, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of the beautiful diversity of residents in the 58th Assembly District and across the great Borough of Brooklyn,” she said.
Reynoso joins Perry, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, SEIU1199, DC 37 NYC Laborers Local 924, the Working Families Party and New York Communities for Change in endorsing Chandler-Waterman.
She said she launched her campaign “to offer a fresh perspective, one that isn’t being offered by any other candidate in District 58,” but is shaped by her “activism and decades of experience right here on the ground in East Flatbush, Brownsville, Canarsie and Crown Heights.”
Perry said he was “proud” to support Chandler-Waterman as his successor, adding that “the district will be in good hands.
“She is a natural leader in every sense of the word, and her roots go deep in this community,” he told Caribbean Life.
“Monique is the best of us, and she will fight to make sure everyone has access to quality public schools, affordable housing and community-based health care,” he added.
Chandler-Waterman, a lifelong resident of the East Flatbush, Canarsie and Brownsville communities in Brooklyn, said she was “so honored” to receive Perry’s support.
In early April, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring that a special election will be held on May 24 to fill the 58th Assembly District seat vacated by Perry.
“Ambassador Nick Perry has led an illustrious career, and, with his distinguished appointment, he continues his trajectory forward,” the governor said. “We wish him all the best in his new role as US Ambassador to Jamaica.
“New Yorkers deserve to be represented in the fullest capacity, and an election to fill the ambassador’s seat is necessary to ensure their voices are heard,” Hochul added. “I look forward to working with the next elected leader and encourage people living in the 58th District to get out and vote.”
