Brooklyn’s Next Borough President Race Takes Shape Years Early

BROOKLYN, NY— Brooklyn City Council Member Rita Joseph is laying the groundwork for a possible 2029 borough president campaign, raising and spending campaign money years before voters choose the borough’s next leader.

Joseph, a Democrat who cannot seek reelection to the City Council in 2029 because of term limits, transferred $11,397 from her Council campaign account to her borough president account, according to campaign finance disclosures reviewed by Politico covering activity from January through mid-July.

She also reported receiving $1,200 in new contributions, including a $100 donation from Briget Rein, a lobbyist for the United Federation of Teachers.

The filings show Joseph spent $916 on airfare in July, $933 on an email system over three months and $504 for a ticket to an unspecified event.

Joseph did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch about the spending.

Is Rita Joseph Officially Running?

Not yet.

Joseph has not announced a campaign for Brooklyn borough president, but she said she is fundraising and spending now to keep the possibility open.

"I want to make sure that I'm a good candidate," Joseph told Politico. "I want to make sure I'm viable."

Joseph did not provide additional details when asked about the airfare or event-related expenses.

Who Is Already In The Race?

Joseph is one of two candidates who have filed paperwork for the 2029 Brooklyn borough president race.

State Sen. Kevin Parker has also filed to run, though he has not reported any fundraising or spending in the latest disclosures.

The race is expected to draw attention because current Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso cannot seek another term due to term limits.