Brooklyn Democrats Divided Over Plan to Reshape Party Leadership
Pressure is mounting on Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn to cancel or pause a proposed rule overhaul that would expand the executive committee and extend voting power to former chairs, a move reformers say would stack the panel with loyalists after a district-leader majority flipped the leadership. National and state leaders, including Letitia James, Hakeem Jeffries, and Chuck Schumer, have urged reconsideration. Reformers filed a lawsuit to block the vote, but a judge recused and a second judge declined to block the vote ahead of time, with plans to refile if it proceeds. Critics describe it as a naked power grab, while supporters like former district boss Frank Seddio argue the changes could make the party more progressive; the vote was scheduled for Tuesday at a closed-door meeting, with ongoing public rallies and legal action likely depending on the outcome.