SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY — On Monday, February 3rd, activist Richard David announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in an email to supporters and in a video that was released on social media.
“I came here as an undocumented dreamer 25 years ago. We had no health insurance. Going to school meant traveling across the borough. Then we came home to an empty house with single parents who actually worked night and day,” David recalls in the video where he describes the challenges of living in deep poverty.
Assembly District 31 is currently vacant after former Assembly Member Michele Titus got elected as a Queens Civil Court Judge. Titus was first elected in 2002. Governor Cuomo could declare a Special Election in the coming days and a regularly scheduled Primary will held on June 23rd. District 31 includes the neighborhoods around JFK Airport: Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Hammels, Richmond Hill, Rosedale, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens and Wakefield.
“It is an honor to ask for support to represent the hard working families of Assembly District 31. I have spent a lot of time in our communities, and talking with family and friends who have encouraged me to run. After almost two decades, this election presents the opportunity for a new vision and we want a trusted leader who can contribute ideas to solve the most pressing issues, including one of the largest budget deficits the State has faced. From education, to transportation and housing, to having someone reliable to help with basic problems around the block, the communities of District 31 are eager to elect a consistent and effective voice at home and in Albany,” said Richard David.
David has lived in Southeast Queens for 25 years and is a District Leader in Assembly District 31. He has spent over 10 years working at senior levels of government, and has been one of the youngest members of the community board for even longer. David co-founded a youth-led social justice organization to bring resources and information to residents, and to serve as an outlet for activism and community organizing. Most recently, David led the nonprofit desk at a private government relations firm and is also an adjunct history professor at York College.
