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Judge Denies Restraining Order as Hermelyn Adds 26 Seats

8/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn added 26 seats to the Brooklyn Democratic Party executive committee.
The expansion created a 68-member committee backing Hermelyn’s re-election.
Reformers sued for a temporary restraining order; a judge denied it before the vote.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries and AG Letitia James urged reversal.
Reformers argue the new seats will dilute voting power of newly elected district leaders.

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Story summary

Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn added 26 seats to the Brooklyn Democratic Party executive committee.
The expansion created a 68-member committee backing Hermelyn’s re-election.
Reformers sued for a temporary restraining order; a judge denied it before the vote.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries and AG Letitia James urged reversal.
Reformers argue the new seats will dilute voting power of newly elected district leaders.