Brooklyn’s Democratic representatives are expressing excitement over California Senator Kamala Harris’ historic vice-presidential nomination, which makes her both the first Black and first Indian-American woman to be picked for the position.
“At a time when our nation is engulfed in movements for racial equity and justice, California Senator Kamala Harris has made history as the first Black woman vice-presidential nominee,” said City Councilwoman Farah Louis, who represents the neighborhoods of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, and Kensington. “Women have been at the forefront of every civil and human rights movement and now we stand ready to take our seat at the table in the White House.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee in November, announced Harris as his vice-presidential pick on Aug. 11, selecting her from a pool of female elected officials he was reportedly vetting for the post.
“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked Kamala Harris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” Biden tweeted.
Some of the borough’s left-leaning political groups were quick to throw their support behind the Biden-Harris ticket as its members — and area electeds — emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to unite behind overthrowing President Donald Trump in his bid for a second term in November.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, chairwoman of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said the presidential candidate made an “inspired” choice in Harris.
“Kamala Harris is an inspired choice. A well-credentialed woman who is battle-tested on the campaign trail and in debates. She will join Joe Biden in restoring saneness and wisdom to the White House while helping to win back the United States Senate,” Bichotte said. “She reflects the rising diversity of the nation and the party. We in Brooklyn are ready to roll up our sleeves and elect the Biden-Harris team this November.”
More hyperlocal groups showed similar support.
“The Bay Ridge Democrats could not be happier with the selection of Senator Harris,” said the group’s president, Chris McCreight. “We are fired-up and ready to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next President and Vice President of the United States. Now is the time to put aside party divisions, for the good of the nation, and restore sanity and judgment to the White House.”
Congressman Max Rose, one of the borough’s more centrist Democrats who represents Bay Ridge and Staten Island, announced his support for the Democratic ticket as one that can reverse the damage of the past four years and bring the nation back on track.
“With Joe Biden as our President, and Kamala Harris as our Vice President, we can put the divisiveness and vitriol of the past four years behind us and build the America we all know is possible,” Rose tweeted.
Flatbush State Sen. Kevin Parker was an early supporter of the vice-presidential hopeful and endorsed her bid for presidency before she dropped out of the race in December.
“Kamala Harris is a tireless fighter for working families — and that’s why she has my endorsement for President,” he said in a July 2019 statement. “I am confident Senator Harris will push a progressive agenda and continue to defend our American values.”
While Harris does not have many personal connections to New York City, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie noted that the vice-presidential hopeful was his cousin’s roommate in college.
“I am ecstatic that Joe Biden has chosen my good friend and cousin’s college roommate Kamala Harris to be our country’s next Vice President,” the Bronx assemblyman tweeted.
