Queens Council Seat Up for Grabs: Adams' Staffer, Community Activist and a GOP-Backed Candidate Vie for Power

Queens Council Seat Heats Up: A Battle for Successor to Speaker Adams

The race to succeed City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in her southeast Queens district is getting intense. With Adams stepping down, three candidates have emerged, each vying for the coveted seat.

The Contenders

• Tyrell Hankerson: A district leader and Adams' former chief of staff, Hankerson is taking the typical path for a council member's staffer hoping to inherit the seat. He's already secured donations from Adams herself and former 32BJ SEIU President Kyle Bragg. Hankerson has raised nearly $14,000 in donations so far.

• LaToya LeGrand: A staffer for Assembly Member Vivian Cook and chair of the Education Committee on Queens Community Board 12, LeGrand has raised just over $2,000.

• Romeo Hitlall: A community activist and real estate broker, Hitlall has garnered surprising support from the Republican Party. City Council Member Joann Ariola believes Hitlall's dedication to community work makes him a strong candidate. Hitlall has raised over $12,000 in donations.

Adams' Future Uncertain

While Adams hasn't officially declared her next move, she hasn't ruled out continuing in politics. However, she's also open to exploring opportunities in the private sector, highlighting her diverse background in both the corporate world and public service.

The Stakes

The 28th district is a Democratic stronghold, making the Republican Party's interest in Hitlall's candidacy even more intriguing. Ariola suggests that the party may be trying to avoid a more progressive candidate winning the seat. The race will likely hinge on public safety and quality of life issues, which Hitlall has identified as top priorities. The outcome could have significant implications for the district's future and for the balance of power in the City Council.

What's Next?

The race is still in its early stages, and it's likely to heat up further as the campaign progresses. With the candidates vying for support, it'll be interesting to see how they address the key issues of public safety, quality of life, and the future of the 28th district. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting race!