Progressive challengers looking to take control of the Brooklyn Democratic Party suffered a setback on Tuesday night after the embattled party chair won enough votes to change the organization’s rules that critics say will likely keep her in power — despite suffering losses in June.
“Because this is being held behind closed doors, with security, without public presence, without actual public support,” said Luke Ohlson, a Democratic district leader.
“That is why there is milk toast, light applause because this is a power grab,” he added.
“People feel disenfranchised, they feel upset and they have a right to be upset,” said Ohlson.
Allies of party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn celebrated after winning a majority of votes on several proposals aimed at altering the Kings County Democratic Party rules, like increasing the number of executive committee members from 42 to 68.
But critics say slammed the move.
“[I’m] not really happy about having to come out here for a vote when Democrats should be coming together, not fighting amongst each other,” said Chris McCreight, a Democratic district leader and candidate for State Assembly.
Before the vote, Bichotte Hermelyn’s changes were denounced by Democratic leadership, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and both minority leaders of Congress.
The move also highlights tensions between the left and the moderate wing of the party.
“My problem with the progressives and the socialists is: they don’t have that position of ‘Okay, it’s okay to agree to disagree, it’s: If I’m right, I’m right, how could you be wrong? How could you be right?’ We can’t have two rights,” said Frank Seddio, the former party chair and current state committee member.
At times, the night turned contentious:
“You’re standing in my district, and if you don’t live here, you’re an outsider!” Seddio shouted at one critic, Jorge Muniz.
Now, progressives say they’re planning to sue again in hopes of stopping the changes before another vote in September.