Jo Anne Simon Launches Bid For Brooklyn Borough President

BROOKLYN, NY — Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon has thrown her hat into the ring to become Brooklyn's borough president, the first woman to take the job should she be elected.

Simon — whose 52nd District stretches from Brooklyn Heights to Park Slope — officially announced she would join the race on Thursday morning after months of speculation about her candidacy.

Her campaign launch was held at James Madison High School, the alma mater of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in honor of what would be a historic moment should she win.

“It’s time for change. It’s time for a woman Borough President in Brooklyn," Simon said. "I will work with the community to bring us together and move us forward. In honor of Justice Ginsburg, and Shirley Chisholm, and all the women who have gone before carving a path where once there was none, I am pulling my folding chair up to the table and running for Brooklyn Borough President"

Simon, who was elected to the Assembly in 2014, was joined Thursday by her staff, friends and advocates who she has worked with on issues ranging from gun violence, to education and policies for those with disabilities.

“Her experience in development, transportation, employment and disability rights — to name just a few — make Jo Anne one of the most knowledgeable people I know in public office," said Gib Veconi, a member of the board of the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council, and Brooklyn Community Board 8

"But what’s most important is that she knows Brooklyn, and as Borough President, will bring the leadership our communities need to get back on their feet.”

Before becoming a member of the assembly, Simon ran a law firm dedicated to disability civil rights law in Downtown Brooklyn. She has lived in Brooklyn since 1981 after growing up in Yonkers, according to her biography.

Simon, a Democrat, served as president of the Boerum Hill Association, co-founded the Downtown Brooklyn Coalition, Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods and several other local organizations. She was elected as female District Leader and State Committeewoman for the 52nd Assembly District in 2004.

Simon joins Council Member Robert Cornegy and Council Member Antonio Reynoso in the race to replace Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who is vying to become New York City mayor.