By Nelson A. King
NEW YORK, Jun 24, 2026, CMC – Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke easily won re-election in the New York Democratic Primary, as other Caribbean politicians won in Tuesday’s polls.
With a total of 44, 694 votes counted in the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, received 29,670 votes, while her challengers Mike Goldfarb received 6,686 votes, and Joshua A. Bristol obtained 6,372.
“…I am grateful to the voters of New York’s 9th Congressional District for once again placing their trust in me,” said Clarke, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in her victory speech .
“I am honoured to earn the Democratic nomination and look forward to continuing the fight for the community that raised me. New York’s 9th Congressional District is one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in America. It is a beautiful mosaic of people from Brooklyn, across the United States and around the world, united by a shared belief in opportunity, justice, and community.”
Clarke said that while the celebration is important “we know the work ahead remains urgent” as “too many families are struggling with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and everyday necessities”.
At the same time, the Congresswoman said the American democracy “faces serious challenges,” and that “millions are still waiting for an immigration system that reflects our values.
“That is why I remain committed to fighting for comprehensive immigration reform, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected,” she said, thanking “every voter, volunteer, supporter, clergy and community leader who made this victory possible.
“I am humbled by your support and ready to continue fighting for the people of Brooklyn. Together, we will keep building a stronger and more equitable future for our community and our country. Onwards to November.”
In other keys races in the New York Democratic Primary in which Caribbean candidates contested, Trinidadian-born, New York State Assemblymember Jaime Williams staved off a spirited challenge in retaining the 59th Assembly District seat in Brooklyn from Jibreel Jalloh whom she described as a “Socialist-backed candidate.”
With a total of 6, 490 votes, Williams, who had received a broad coalition of support that includes elected officials, labour organizations, faith leaders and community advocates from across Brooklyn, polled 4,172 votes as against Jalloh’s 2,138 votes.
“I am grateful for the support of so many community leaders, organizations, and elected officials who share my commitment to serving the people of our district. Together, we have worked to bring resources, investments, and opportunities to our neighborhoods.
“And I look forward to continuing that work on behalf of the families, seniors, homeowners, and young people who call this community home,” Williams added.
She said has “consistently focused” on bringing resources and funding back to the 59th Assembly District while working to address quality-of-life concerns and economic challenges facing local residents.
In the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, won the Primary hands-down.
With a total of 12, 506 votes, Cunningham received 9,810 votes, while his lone challenger, Ahron Gluck, received 2, 245 votes.
In a bitterly contested race for the female district leadership in the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York State Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants and representative for the district, dethroned the district leader, Haitian-born New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.
A district leader is a representative elected by registered Democrats in their Assembly District to serve on the New York State Democratic Committee, which is the official governing body of the state party.
It’s an elected but unpaid position, and it runs on a two-year cycle tied to the Primary calendar.
In her victory speech, Chandler-Waterman said she was “grateful for the voters, who have put their trust in me to serve as their State Committee Member.
“Our neighbors have voted for real Democratic leadership that puts accountability, integrity, and transparency first.. I will proudly bring these values and the voice of the people to my work, strengthening our Brooklyn Democratic Party and helping select fair, qualified, and diverse judges.
“It is my honour to take on this responsibility, and to continue representing the 58th Assembly District in Albany (New York State capital),” Chandler-Waterman said, adding “thank you to my community for this victory, which belongs to every one of us.”
CMC/nk/ir/2026