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Donovan Richards
Donovan Richards, 2022.jpg
Richards in 2022
21st Borough President of Queens
Assumed office
December 2, 2020
Deputy Ebony Young
Preceded by Sharon Lee (acting)
Member of the New York City Council
from the 31st 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 42)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Education Nyack College
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Donovan J. Richards Jr. was born on April 9, 1983. He is an American politician. Currently, he serves as the Borough President of Queens, a large area in New York City.

Before becoming Borough President, he was a member of the New York City Council. He represented the 31st district. This district included parts of many neighborhoods in Queens. Some of these were Arverne, Far Rockaway, Howard Beach, and Springfield Gardens. Richards is a member of the Democratic Party.

About Donovan Richards

Donovan Richards grew up in southeast Queens. When he was younger, he helped with a mission trip. This trip was to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He went there with the St. Albans Congregational Church.

His Education Journey

Richards went to Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, New York. He then graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens. After high school, he continued his studies. He attended Nyack College. Later, he went to Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens.

His Time in the City Council

The New York City Council is like a local government. Its members make laws for the city. In June 2011, Richards started working for City Councilman James Sanders, Jr.. He was Sanders' chief of staff. This means he helped manage Sanders' office and work.

Becoming a Council Member

When James Sanders, Jr. was elected to the New York State Senate, his City Council seat became open. Donovan Richards ran for this seat. He won a special election in 2013. This made him a member of the New York City Council.

His Work in the Council

As a City Council member, Richards had important roles. He was chosen to lead the Committee on Environmental Protection. This committee works on protecting the environment in the city. He also led the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. This group deals with how land can be used and what businesses can operate.

Becoming Queens Borough President

The Borough President is a leader for one of New York City's five boroughs. They help manage the borough and speak up for its residents. In June 2020, Donovan Richards was chosen by the Democratic Party to run for Queens Borough President.

Winning the Election

On November 3, 2020, Richards won the election for Borough President of Queens. He ran against Joann Ariola from the Republican Party and an independent candidate, Dao Yin. Richards was sworn into office on December 2, 2020. He has been serving as the Queens Borough President since then.

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