Politics & Government

Mosley Launches Campaign For Jeffries' Assembly Seat

57th District leader says he'll fight for affordable housing, healthcare and jobs.

It's official.

Speaking in front of campaign workers and supporters, 57th Assembly District leader Walter Mosley announced his candidacy for the seat currently occupied by Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, D-Fort Greene.

In his remarks Tuesday morning, Mosley promised more of the same—calling for a continuation of Jeffries' legislative agenda regarding affordable housing, "neighborhood" healthcare and jobs.

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"We had a champion before," he said of Jeffries. "And we will have a champion again."

Mosley will face fellow Democrat Olanike "Ola" Alabi in the Sept. 13 primary in the 57th District, which covers Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and parts of Prospect Heights and Bed-Stuy.

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Alabi declined to comment on today's announcement.

The seat will likely be left vacant by Jeffries, to replace Rep. Edolphus "Ed" Towns in Congress last month.

Jeffries has not endorsed a candidate in the race.

However, Mosley did play a key role in at least one Jeffries event, helping to introduce the three-term Democrat .

Despite the lack of an immediate endorsement from the incumbent, one thing Mosley did share with Jeffries at Tuesday's campaign event were supporters like Ernest Augustus of Fort Greene.

Augustus said he worked with Mosley on past campaigns, helping out with phone banks and "spreading the word."

Another Mosley supporter, Christine Powell, said she appreciated his fight "for affordable housing ... we need to make sure people are not shuttered up."

Powell also said she expected the candidate to push to keep senior centers open in the neighborhood, pointing to on Fulton Street, located right across the street from the rally.

Leah Novak contributed reporting to this story.


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