Former Congressman Towns Endorses Boozer for Boyland Seat

Former Rep. Edolphus Towns, a fixture in central Brooklyn for 30 years, is endorsing Lori Boozer to fill the Assembly seat vacated by the disgraced William Boyland Jr., who got one of his earliest jobs in politics working as an intern for Towns. 

In a statement, Towns, who retired in 2012, praised Boozer's integrity and experience as an activist. "I know this community and what it needs; I know my neighbors and the honest representation they deserve; and I know quality leadership when I see it,” Towns said. “Lori Boozer has spent her entire life giving back to Brownsville and Central Brooklyn—fighting for renting families and NYCHA residents, helping victims of domestic violence and working to make our neighborhoods better, safer places for children and seniors. She’s exactly the type of public servant we need today, and I’m proud to stand with her to bring real representation to our neighborhoods.”

Despite a crowded Democratic field for the seat, Boozer, a former housing specialist at the Urban Resource Institute, has quickly amassed a coalition of labor support, receiving endorsements from 32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, CWA District 1, and the Working Families Party, among others.

The Brooklyn political machine, however, has split its endorsements across the field, with Towns coming out as Boozer's first high-profile supporter among present or former elected officials. Ineisha Williford, an aide to City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy, has gained the support of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, as well as Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Another candidate, Latrice Walker, a community liaison for Rep. Yvette Clarke, has the support of a number of current and former Brooklyn elected officials, including Clarke, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Assemblyman Nick Perry, Councilman Robert Cornegy, Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo and former councilmembers Al Vann and Una Clarke. State Senators Kevin Parker and Velmanette Montgomery and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators have also endorsed Walker. 

Community activist Anthony Jones and former government staffer Christopher Durosinmi are also running for the seat.