Brooklyn Democratic Party rule changes struck down by judge

A New York State Supreme Court judge has struck down controversial rule changes within the Brooklyn Democratic Party. Judge Jill Epstein ruled that outgoing executive committee members had “no authority” to vote on sweeping amendments during an August meeting.

The ruling blocks an effort by party leaders to add dozens of new members to the executive committee, a move that would have likely allowed current Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn to maintain control of the party. Epstein declared the rule changes a “nullity” and issued a permanent injunction to prevent their implementation.

The decision comes at a critical time for the party, as the County Committee is scheduled to meet on September 23 to potentially select new executive committee members. The outcome of these leadership contests is significant because party leaders play an instrumental role in the selection and elevation of judges to the State Supreme Court.