Brooklyn Democrats Vie for 7 Supreme Court Seats in Upcoming Election

Democratic Party leaders in Brooklyn recently organized the 2024 Supreme Court Judicial Candidate Forum, where judicial candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves and address questions from attendees.

Several incumbent civil and acting Supreme Court judges are competing for seven available seats in Kings County Supreme Court.

At the commencement of the meeting, Brooklyn Democratic District Leader Josue Pierre emphasized the significance of judges at both the federal and local levels.

“Many individuals in our communities often do not encounter judges until a specific event occurs. We, along with the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, other district leaders, and elected officials, want to make it clear to the community that judges are also public servants,” Pierre stated.

The virtual forum moderated by Pierre attracted nearly 100 participants over the course of two hours.

Party leaders are optimistic about a higher voter turnout in the upcoming election in November, largely due to the inclusion of Vice President Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Brooklyn Democratic Party leader, expressed, “Typically, during non-presidential years, some individuals may lack motivation to vote. However, with it being a presidential year and our Democratic club endorsing Kamala Harris, there’s a heightened level of excitement, and we anticipate a greater voter turnout.”

Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd District Assemblymember encompassing East Flatbush, Flatbush, Ditmas Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn, shared these insights with The Epoch Times.

Representatives from the Brooklyn Republican Party did not respond to requests for comments.

Addressing the selection process of judges, Hermelyn highlighted the various pathways judges take to secure their positions, emphasizing the democratic nature of selecting diverse candidates to represent the community.

Several judicial candidates are seeking re-election, while others aspire to transition from Civil Court to Supreme Court positions, including Civil Court Judges Lisa Lewis, Inga O’Neale, Jill Epstein, and Keisha Alleyne.

Alleyne, whose term as a New York City Civil Court Kings County judge concludes in 2038, articulated her rationale for pursuing a Supreme Court seat, citing her current involvement in Supreme Court responsibilities.