Manhattan Democratic Party

“In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of our beloved Georgetta Gittens, a remarkable member of our Democratic family. Beyond her political involvement, Georgetta was a loving and supportive friend to so many of us,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“Georgetta’s dedication to our party was inspiring. As a District Leader and a vital member of our Executive Committee, she tirelessly championed the values and principles that define our party. Her passion for justice, equality, and community engagement served as an inspiration to us all; and she leaves an indelible mark on all our hearts.”

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of a cherished member of our democratic family. Gerald Kahn was not just a dedicated Democrat, he was a dear friend,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright. “Gerry was the embodiment of our values and principles. Throughout the years, he served our party with unwavering commitment, holding roles as a district leader, judicial delegate, and a vital member of the judiciary committee.”

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Gerry’s family and friends during this difficult time. In honor of Gerald Kahn’s memory, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he held dear and continue the important work he championed.”

On the evening of Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the duly elected District Leaders of the Manhattan Democratic Party (otherwise known as the Executive Committee of the New York County Democratic Committee) gathered to be sworn-in and to elect officers for the 2023-2025 term.

Upon motions from the floor, Keith L.T. Wright (70th AD), Louise Dankberg (74th AD), and Mariama James (65th AD) were elected to serve as County Leader, Executive Committee Chair, and Executive Committee Vice-Chair respectively.

“I’m honored to be re-elected as Democratic County Leader of this very special borough” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright. “Democrats have a very busy and important year ahead of us as we look towards the upcoming Federal and State elections. The stronger we are as a County Party, the better equipped we’ll be to make sure that New York leads the way in retaking the House from Republican control and making Congressman Hakeem Jeffries the first Black Speaker of the House, and ensuring that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer maintains his Democratic majority on behalf of all New Yorkers and the American people.”

On Thursday, August 10th, the recently-elected Democratic Judicial Delegates of the 1st Judicial District convened for the Manhattan Democratic Party’s 2023 Supreme Court Judicial Convention.

Over 300 Democrats and guests gathered at Manhattan’s ornate Society for Ethical Culture to consider the large, diverse group of highly-qualified candidates who have been reported out of independent judicial screening panels. After all voices were heard in a show of transparent democracy, the following candidates were selected as the 2023 Democratic Nominees for the 1st Judicial District election to be held on November 7th:

Hon. Phaedra Perry
Hon. Lyle Frank
Hon. Leslie Stroth

On July 20, 2023, the Supreme Court Independent Screening Panel concluded its deliberations by reporting out as most highly qualified the following candidates:

Hon. Christopher Chin
Hon. Jim G. Clynes
Hon. Ashlee Crawford
Hon. Paul A. Goetz
Hon. Hasa Abas Kingo
Hon. Ilana J. Marcus
Hon. Eric Schumacher
Hon. Aija Tingling
Hon. Kathleen Waterman-Marshall

The Judiciary Committee of the Manhattan Democratic Party has approved the report of the screening panel, administered by Meredith Miller, which extensively reviewed the background and experience of a number of applicants and determined these well-deserved candidates would be most qualified to vie for three (3) open positions on the Supreme Court, to be filled at the general election set for November 7, 2023.

On behalf of the Manhattan Democratic Party, County Leader Keith L.T. Wright and Judiciary Co-Chairs Curtis Arluck and Louise Dankberg, we sincerely thank the panel and its administrator for their diligent work and congratulate the applicants who join the following candidates reported out of previous panels:

Hon. Suzanne Adams
Hon. Judy Kim
Hon. Gerald Lebovits
Hon. Lyle Frank
Hon. Leslie Stroth
Hon. Phaedra Perry
Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend, District Leader Cynthia Doty, and offer our condolences to Cynthia’s family and friends on behalf of the Manhattan Democratic Party, our District Leaders, Democratic Clubs, and elected officials of all levels,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“As Deputy Chief Clerk at the Board of Elections, Cynthia proudly represented and served our county in a way that increased transparency and engagement, and strengthened our democracy. Cynthia was a beloved member of our Democratic family who was a resource for all. We will miss Cynthia dearly and continue to carry her within our hearts.”

The New York County Democratic Committee previously announced the formation of an Independent Screening Panel. As an update, the screening panel for Supreme Court 2023, administered by Meredith R. Miller, Esq., consists of:
Michael Stutman | American Academy of Matrimonial Law
Gevorg Karapetyan | Armenian Bar Association
Mark Fang | Asian American Bar Association of New York
Annie J. Wang | Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
John Cagney | Brehon Law Society
Paul Bitetti | Columbian Lawyers Association
Freddy Molano | Community Healthcare Network
Monique Carter | Fortune Society
Shoshana T. Bookson | Jewish Lawyers Guild
Kwonsun Jung | Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Christina Browne | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Bar Association of Greater NY (LeGaL)
Shawn Brannon | Mid Manhattan Branch of the NAACP
Malcolm J. Byrd | National Action Network
Eric Subin | New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Scarlet Dominguez | New York Urban League
Vivian Rivera-Drohan | New York Women’s Bar Association
Jan Levien | Women’s Trial Lawyers Caucus

“On behalf of the Manhattan Democratic Party, our District Leaders, Democratic Clubs, and elected officials of all levels, I offer my sincere condolences to Judge Ann O’shea, Michael & Brian, and the entire family on the passing of our beloved friend, Alan Handell,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“Over the years, Al established himself as a dear friend and staunch supporter of Democrats across the borough and New York City. While we often focus on the lofty policy battles we wage to better the lives of our respective communities, Al was always there to support the functions of the Democratic Party in order to advance our candidates and values. We are a stronger Party, Borough, City and State because of Al Handell and will keep him in our hearts forever.”

The New York County Democratic Committee has announced the formation of an Independent Screening Panel to report on the qualifications of candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for three (3) vacancies on the New York State Supreme Court to be elected in the November 2023 general election. The heads of numerous bar associations, community organizations and law schools have been invited to nominate members of the panel, which will be directed to report a total of no more than the nine (9) most highly qualified candidates for the three vacancies.

Candidates for the nomination may obtain applications from Kyle H. Ishmael, Esq., Executive Director for the New York County Democratic Committee, via email at manhattandems@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM.

2023 Supreme Court Selection Political Calendar
Friday, June 9 | Judicial Applications available
Tuesday, June 20 @ 12pm | Judicial Applications due
*Tuesday, June 20 | Independent Screening Panel convenes
*Thursday, July 20 | Independent Screening Panel reports out results
*TBD, August 2023 | New York County Democratic Judicial Convention

*subject to change

“My sincere condolences go out to Pam Perkins and the entire family over the loss of one of Harlem’s greats, Bill Perkins,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“Throughout his decades of public service, Bill always let you know where he stood and who he was fighting for. Harlem, our city, our state, and our nation are all the more better thanks to the battles that Bill Perkins took on during his time in the New York City Council, the New York State Senate, and as a District Leader in our beloved Village of Harlem. May his acts of justice across our community be celebrated for eternity, and may he forever rest in power.”