Judge Strikes Down Rule Changes Benefiting Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
A New York Supreme Court judge, Jill Epstein, ruled against Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, declaring that outgoing executive committee members had 'no authority' to vote on sweeping rule changes at a recent August meeting. The decision blocks an effort by party leaders to add dozens more members to the executive committee, a move that would have likely allowed Bichotte Hermelyn to retain control of the party. The court found that the votes of these outgoing members were improper and made the difference in the rule changes, thus declaring the amendments a nullity and issuing a permanent injunction against their implementation. This ruling was celebrated by the New Kings Democrats, who had gained enough district leader seats in the June primary to potentially select their own party chair, and had announced their support for Julio Peña III.
