Donovan Richards | |
|---|---|
 Richards in 2022 | |
| 21stBorough President ofQueens | |
| Assumed office December 2, 2020 | |
| Deputy | Ebony Young |
| Preceded by | Sharon Lee (acting) |
| Member of theNew York City Council from the31st district | |
| In office February 20, 2013 – December 2, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | James Sanders, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Selvena Brooks-Powers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1983-04-09)April 9, 1983 (age 41) New York City,New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Nyack College Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology |
| Website | Official website |
Donovan Richards Jr.[1] (born April 9, 1983) is an American politician serving as theBorough President ofQueens. He is also a formerNew York City Council member, having represented the31st district. He is a member of theDemocratic Party.
His former district includes portions ofArverne,Bayswater,Broad Channel,Cambria Heights,Edgemere,Far Rockaway,Howard Beach,Jamaica,John F. Kennedy International Airport,Laurelton,Rockaway Beach,Rosedale,South Ozone Park andSpringfield Gardens inQueens.
Richards was the Democratic nominee for Queens Borough President in the November 3, 2020 general election. He defeated the Republican nomineeJoann Ariola and independent candidate Dao Yin. Richards was sworn in as Queens Borough President on December 2, 2020.
Richards was born and raised in southeast Queens. When he was young, he served with a mission inPort-au-Prince, Haiti on behalf of St. Albans Congregational Church.
He attended Redemption Christian Academy inTroy, New York later graduating fromJamaica High School in Queens.[2] He subsequently attendedNyack College, thenVaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens.[2]
In June 2011, Richards became the chief of staff for New York City CouncilmanJames Sanders, Jr., and when Sanders was elected to the New York State Senate, Richards won a 2013 special election to succeed him. Richards was appointed chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection.[citation needed] Richards was appointed to be the chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises.[citation needed]
| Election history | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Year | Election | Results |
| NYC Council District 31 | 2013 | Special | √ Donovan Richards 29.11% Pesach Osina 28.24% Jacques Leandre 13.38% Michael R. Duncan 11.18% Selvena Brooks 11.14% Marie Adam-Ovide 2.08% Saywala Kesselly 1.87% |
| NYC Council District 31 | 2013 | Democratic Primary | √ Donovan Richards 51.60% Michael R. Duncan 35.83% Ricardo A. Brown 12.57% |
| NYC Council District 31 | 2013 | General | √ Donovan Richards (D) 91.77% Scherie S. Murray (R) 5.45% Ricardo A. Brown (Jobs & Education) 2.68% |
In June 2020, Richards secured the Democratic nomination for Borough President of Queens.[3] On November 3, 2020, Richards won the election for Borough President of Queens.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of theNew York City Council from the31st district 2013–2020 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Borough President ofQueens 2020–present | Incumbent |
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