BERGEN BEACH — Assemblymember Jaime Williams, D-59, recently held her kickoff fundraiser for re-election at one of the oldest boat clubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson River Yacht Club (HRYC).
Founded in 1873 and located at 2101 Bergen Ave., the HRYC is connected to the Paerdegat Basin/New York Harbor region. It emerged at a period when recreational sailing and yacht clubs were becoming prominent social and sporting institutions along the Hudson River.
Williams’ event took place the evening of Dec. 3 before approximately 100 of her supporters. It was considerably bipartisan as elected officials from Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties in addition to community members supported her efforts.
The exterior of HRYC. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Williams, whose term ends in 2026, is slated to run against community organizer Jibreel Jalloh, founder and executive director of the nonprofit The Flossy Organization, which focuses on grassroots activism in southeast Brooklyn. It addresses issues such as gun violence, climate change and transportation struggles.
“I see him on social media, but that’s about it,” Williams told the Brooklyn Eagle. “But it’s not just about taking a picture and having a social media presence. It’s about actually doing the work, being present in your community, connecting with people and being there with them.”
Liam McCabe, Kings County Republican Party chair, alongside Assemblymember Michael Novakhov, R-45. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Williams represents Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Marine Park and Gerritsen Beach.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Williams came to the United States as a young adult in search of opportunity. “My experience as an immigrant, a mother, a social worker and a community advocate guides my work in the assembly every day,” she said. “I fight to make life more affordable for working families, for safer and stronger neighborhoods and for the resources our community deserves.”
Williams said if re-elected, another one of her focuses will be on reforming property taxes in New York City. “I know that Zohran Mamdani is passionate about tackling this on a state level for the city as well.”
Hon. Frank Seddio speaks. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Williams describes herself as an assemblymember for all people. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent or whatever, I represent everybody in my district,” she said. “There’s no Republican or Democratic way to clean the street, and if an ambulance was to pick someone up, they wouldn’t ask them what their party affiliation is; they would simply do their job. Elected officials should heed that example.”
Hon. Frank Seddio, who was in attendance at Williams’ fundraiser, called her one of the finest candidates he knows. Seddio said Williams embodies honesty, sincerity and helpfulness. “Jamie has transcended political parties in the work that she’s done, and I’m very proud of her for it,” Seddio noted.