With Cuomo endorsement, Bichotte Hermelyn positions Brooklyn Democrats for a new direction

BROOKLYN – Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s endorsement of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor signals a major strategic shift for her and the borough’s Democratic leadership.

“Andrew Cuomo has steadfastly served as an exemplary public servant for the betterment of our City and State for decades, starting right here in Brooklyn where he began as a community advocate,” Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd District, said in a press release regarding the endorsement. 

The endorsement marks a notable shift for the assemblywoman, who supported Mayor Eric Adams during his initial mayoral run and recently signed a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging her not to remove Adams as mayor. Bichotte Hermelyn was also among several public officials who called for Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 after a report from the attorney general found that he had sexually harassed 11 women. Cuomo denies the allegations.

Now a political adviser for the Cuomo campaign—alongside her husband, Edu Hermelyn, a senior vice president at Mercury Public Affairs—Bichotte Hermelyn says she is comfortable supporting Cuomo because he was not criminally charged, according to the New York Times.

“As a survivor of sexual assault, and a champion for women’s rights, I know more than most how we need to treat every accusation seriously, and how tough it can be to speak out, especially against the powerful,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “We need to rely on the court of law, not the court of public opinion, when it comes to these serious accusations.”

The Haitian Times contacted Bichotte Hermelyn’s office for comment but has yet to hear back.

Francois Pierre-Louis, a political science professor at Queens College, said the assemblywoman’s endorsement was a wise decision. 

“It was a smart move for her to make alliances with Cuomo because it seems like Cuomo has a good chance of running a serious campaign,” said Pierre-Louis. “Remember, Bichotte really came into the limelight during the Cuomo administration.” 

During his tenure, Cuomo signed the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law, introduced by Bichotte Hermelyn, which mandates treatment for pre-term labor patients. The law was conceptualized after Bichotte Hermelyn lost her newborn son, Jonah, after being turned away from a hospital in 2016.

Pierre-Louis said the endorsement is also a broader signal that the Brooklyn Democratic Party is striving to maintain a firm grasp on its power. 

“There’s going to be a real competition, eventually, for the leadership of the Democratic Party in New York City in general,” said Pierre-Louis, citing a potential grapple over Cuomo, if voters in predominantly Latino areas such as the Bronx and Queens decide to support him. 

Falling in line

As the party’s direction shifts, key party members have also stepped up to echo support for Cuomo’s mayoral bid. 

In an interview with Spectrum News, Councilwoman Farah Louis, who represents District 45 cites one reason why she’s supporting Cuomo: “He also built a playground in my community. My community has the least amount of parks out of all 51 districts in the City Council. So this is someone who really cared and was intentional about District 45.”

Henry Butler, vice chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said, “This is big for him. We are the number one populated borough in the city. I can say we are the most diverse borough in the city. This is going to be a big boost.”

Under her leadership, the Brooklyn Democratic Party has fought to pass legislation related to maternal health care, public transit safety, and equity for Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises. However, her tenure as boss of the influential club hasn’t been without controversy. 

In 2022, allegations of fraud surfaced after several borough residents claimed their signatures were forged on ballot objection forms linked to the party. Tensions also erupted when Bichotte Hermelyn invoked past harassment allegations against Councilman Justin Brannan, which some fellow Democrats saw as politically motivated. A group of district leaders later accused her of using party resources to undermine Brannan’s 2023 re-election campaign. 

Still, her political trajectory appears to be rising with this latest move. Medgar Evers College professor Dr. Zulema Blair, who specializes in political behavior, noted that the endorsement aligns with her broader role.

“I think she’s also rising in the state Assembly, so it’s not necessarily that she would garner any support or additional titles because she endorsed the former governor,” said Blair, noting the assemblywoman is doing what she believes is the correct move, as chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. 

“Of course, if I endorse someone if they win, I would hope that I’m the political favorite –  especially as a party chair.”

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