Brooklyn Democratic Chair passes controversial party rule changes

Brooklyn Democratic Party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has successfully pushed through controversial changes to the Kings County Democratic County Committee bylaws. The vote, which passed with a slim majority of district leaders, aims to expand the executive committee by adding dozens of new seats.

Bichotte Hermelyn stated the proposal is intended to increase inclusivity and transparency by granting full voting rights to more than 68 members, including newly elected officers and representatives from every district. She intends to implement these changes by September 2026.

However, the move has faced intense backlash from political reformers, specifically the grassroots coalition New Kings Democrats. Critics argue the changes are a tactic to help Bichotte Hermelyn maintain control and subvert the recent primary victories of reform-aligned district leaders. Reformers have characterized the vote as a “miscarriage of the will of the voters” that disenfranchises the electorate. Despite calls for reversal from high-ranking Democratic officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chuck Schumer, the changes were enacted during a closed-door meeting.