Zohran Mamdani opposes Brooklyn Democratic Party rule changes

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is opposing a proposal by Brooklyn Democratic Party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn to overhaul party rules. Mamdani argues that the changes are an attempt to “circumnavigate the will of voters” following recent gains by reformers in the June primary.

The proposed changes would add more than two dozen voting members to the party’s executive committee. These members would participate in the selection of the party chair this fall. This comes after a slate of reformers won 22 district leader seats in the June primary, though the new leaders are not scheduled to take their seats until the fall.

Bichotte Hermelyn has defended the proposal, stating the goal is to “expand leadership” and “expand representation” to create a “perception of inclusiveness.” Reformers have supported Julio Peña, a longtime Sunset Park district leader, for the position of next party chair.