Brooklyn Party Rule Shake-Up Sparks Scrutiny of Judicial Picks

Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn pushed sweeping bylaw changes to widen who can vote in a key leadership election and to increase the chair’s control over future judicial nominations, a move a Brooklyn judge ruled null because outgoing district leaders could still vote. Critics warn the overhaul could foster a pay-to-play dynamic centered on consultant Gregorio Mayers, who has advised all six recent civil court nominees, highlighting long-standing tensions over how Brooklyn judges are selected and funded, with opponents arguing the reforms amount to political manipulation of lucrative judicial seats.