✰PREMIUM New Assembly District head in Central Brooklyn, one of the most populated districts
Edwards: ‘As district leaders, we are the foundation and vanguard of the Democratic Party, especially here in Brooklyn’
Jahmila Edwards, newly-minted district leader of the 43rd Assembly District, officially replaced Sarana Purcell on Sept. 24. Photo courtesy of Jahmila Edwards
CENTRAL BROOKLYN — Brooklyn’s 43rd Assembly District, one of the largest districts in Kings County in terms of population, has a new leader.
Jahmila Edwards, a Brooklyn resident with more than 15 years’ experience working at the intersection of government, public policy and politics in New York City, has officially replaced Sarana Purcell, who represented District 43 since 2021. The change officially took effect on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
“It is my honor to fill the vacancy of female district leader for the 43rd Assembly District,” Edwards told the Brooklyn Eagle, adding that she is grateful to follow in the footsteps of Purcell, whose steady, accessible and thoughtful leadership has made a lasting impact on the district.
Edwards added, “As I step into this role, I’m committed to continuing her work while bringing fresh energy to ensure the 43rd remains an engaged and empowered voice in Kings County — one that actively shapes our democracy and puts people over politics.”
District Leader Anthony Beckford (AD-43) underscored that he is honored to have Edwards as a co-leader.
“Jahmila’s work ethic and focus on our community speaks volumes about her leadership,” said Beckford. “Our democracy is being threatened by those who want to silence the voices of the people and infringe upon their rights. As district leaders, we are the foundation and vanguard of the Democratic Party, especially here in Brooklyn.”
A word from the Brooklyn Democratic Party chair
From left: Sarana Purcell; Michael Boomer, committee chair of AD-57; Tony Ko, AD-49; Kenesha Traynham Cooper, AD-56; Jacqueline Painter, AD-51; and Vladimir Edouard of Brooklyn Young Democrats. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, D-42, referred to Edwards as “a seasoned labor activist with decades of experience fighting for working families.”
“I’m proud to welcome Jahmila to the Executive Committee of the Kings County Democratic County Committee as district leader for the 43rd Assembly District,” Bichotte Hermelyn said, adding that as associate director of District Council 37, New York City’s largest public employee union, Edwards has been a tireless advocate for fair wages, dignity on the job and economic justice.
“Her leadership is a perfect match for the 43rd District, home to a powerful mix of tenants and homeowners, 30-something professionals, immigrants and lifelong residents — one of Brooklyn’s most civically engaged and culturally vibrant communities,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
Qualifications
Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, D-42, with Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
After starting her career as a registered lobbyist, Edwards left the private sector to serve as deputy chief of staff to former Mayor Bill de Blasio and later as executive director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for the NYC Department of Education.
In her current role, she is the associate director of District Council 37 where she oversees the union’s approach to public policy, political operations, strategic campaigns and community partnerships.
A native of Boston, MA, and resident of Brooklyn since 2006, Edwards earned her bachelor’s degree from The New School University where she studied abroad at the Universidad de la Habana in Cuba.
Edwards was selected in 2016 for Harvard University’s prestigious Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. In 2021, she completed a master’s degree in labor studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Edwards has also been a dedicated mentor to young women in New York City since 2005 and currently serves on the board of directors of the Municipal Credit Union and the Executive Alumni Council of The New School University.
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ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
