Caribbean-American Democratic U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke officially launched her re-election campaign for New York’s 9th Congressional District on Saturday, April 11, drawing a large crowd of supporters, community leaders, and residents to her Central Brooklyn headquarters.
The kickoff event, held along Nostrand Avenue near Maple Street, marked the beginning of Clarke’s bid to retain her seat in a district known for its strong Caribbean presence, encompassing neighborhoods such as Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23, with early voting running from June 13 to June 21.
Addressing the crowd, Clarke, daughter of Jamaican immigrants, reflected on her upbringing in Brooklyn and the values that shaped her political career. “I’m so grateful to be here in the community that raised me,” she said, noting that her parents built their lives in Flatbush, where she still resides. She emphasized the importance of community legacy, adding that many residents continue to struggle despite their efforts to succeed.
Clarke used the platform to sharply criticize former President Donald Trump and his administration, accusing them of exacerbating economic hardship and inequality. She pointed to rising living costs, including housing, food, and fuel, while highlighting what she described as a historic transfer of wealth favoring the affluent.
“Tax breaks for the wealthy while cutting healthcare, food assistance, and housing support are straining families,” Clarke said. She also raised concerns about increased federal spending on defense and international conflicts, arguing that such priorities divert resources from critical domestic needs.
The congresswoman underscored the urgency of the current political climate, warning that fundamental rights and opportunities are at risk. Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, noting her role as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and her continued efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
“We need proven fighters in Congress,” Clarke declared. “The stakes could not be higher, and our determination must be stronger than ever.”
Clarke also highlighted her legislative record, particularly her work in advancing women’s health initiatives and regulating emerging technologies. She has introduced measures such as the DEEPFAKES Accountability Act and the REAL Political Ads Act, aimed at combating misinformation and increasing transparency in political advertising.
A senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Clarke has also been active in strengthening U.S., Caribbean relations through her role in the Congressional Caribbean Caucus. She emphasized her commitment to bridging the digital divide, supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program, and ensuring equitable access to technology.
Positioning herself within a legacy of trailblazing leadership, Clarke invoked the influence of Shirley Chisholm, whom she credited as a guiding figure in her public service. Clarke pledged to continue advancing policies that support working families, expand healthcare access, and foster economic opportunity.
In addition to her campaign launch, Clarke recently joined fellow lawmakers in calling for revisions to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), emphasizing the need to address the nation’s growing housing affordability crisis. She aligned with senior legislators, including Maxine Waters, in urging Congress to strengthen provisions that expand homeownership, protect tenants, and increase affordable housing supply.
Clarke argued that bipartisan collaboration is essential to delivering meaningful housing reform. “It is our responsibility to ensure that families across America receive the support they need,” she said, calling for lawmakers to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the bill.
With deep roots in Brooklyn and decades of public service, including her tenure on the New York City Council, Clarke framed her campaign as a continuation of her longstanding commitment to the community. As the June primary approaches, she urged voters to remain engaged and mobilized.
“When we fight, we win,” Clarke told supporters, rallying them to the polls in the weeks ahead.