Two political staffers from South Jamaica are vying for the seat of Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica). The District 32 assemblywoman will not seek re-election after 35 years in office.

Nathaniel Hezekiah III, deputy chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), declared his candidacy to represent the district that includes all or parts of Jamaica, Locust Manor, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, St. Albans and South Ozone Park on Tuesday. Hezekiah previously served as Meeks’ project manager and community liaison.

Latoya LeGrand, district manager for state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) and a former constituent services representative for Cook, filed to run on Jan. 21. LeGrand also was a community liaison for state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans).

Hezekiah said that he stands on Cook’s shoulders and is committed to carrying forward the work the Assembly assistant speaker started after her years of dedication and distinguished service to the community.

“I have a deep respect for Assemblymember Vivian Cook and her historic tenure in the 32nd District,” he said in a statement. “She has built a legacy, made many sacrifices and laid a solid foundation for someone like me to come along and serve.”

Cook is a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislation Caucus and its task force, the Women’s Caucus and task force and the Criminal Justice Task Force.

She is also a member of the committees on Codes; Corporations; Rules; Ways and Means; Insurance; Housing; and Majority Steering.

LeGrand told the Chronicle via email that she worked for Cook for four years.

“She is a true trailblazer and tireless public servant,” said LeGrand.

As a staffer for Cook, LeGrand addressed drug abuse and secured funding for economic development. She also helped with improving parks, senior services, education and aided constituents with affordable housing.

“I learned valuable lessons during my time, that I will take with me on my journey.,” said LeGrand about her time with Cook.

Hezekiah comes into the race with an endorsement from the Queens County Democratic Organization and the support of Meeks, who is the chair of the organization.

Meeks said Hezekiah is the kind of leader the community needs.

“He understands Southeast Queens because he has spent a lifetime building relationships and serving the community with diligence and integrity,” Meeks said in a statement. “He has the experience, judgment and temperament to represent this district in Albany with distinction.”

Hezekiah said he is committed to keeping Rochdale Village, a co-op facing an increase in carrying charges, affordable; strengthening foreclosure prevention; and protecting tenants, along with Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

“I pledge to ensure the 32nd District remains a strong, respected voice in Albany,” said Hezekiah.

LeGrand said via text that she will be rolling out her endorsements in the coming days.

“This is a grassroot campaign continuing to build power from … door-to-door, block to block, neighborhood to neighborhood,” said LeGrand.

LeGrand, an executive member of Community Board 12, and the founder of Projects II Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting underserved communities to critical services, says her work has focused on education advocacy, community empowerment and ensuring families have access to opportunities that improve their quality of life.

LeGrand, a mother, told the Chronicle, her leadership will be grounded in service and responsive to the real challenges families face every day.

“I am running for Assembly because our community deserves leadership that is grounded in service and responsive to the real challenges families face every day,” said LeGrand. “As a mother, I have a deep investment in our future and in making sure our children and families have access to strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and real economic opportunity.”

LeGrand says she wants to uplift working families, seniors and young people.

She said, “With faith, integrity, and a deep commitment to service, I am ready to bring the voices of Southeast Queens to Albany.”