Pamela Harris (politician) facts for kids

Pamela Harris was a politician who served in the New York State Assembly. She represented the 46th Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York, from 2015 to 2018. This district included neighborhoods like Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Dyker Heights, and Seagate. She left her position in 2018.

About Pamela Harris

Early Life and Education

Pamela Harris grew up in Coney Island, Brooklyn, and lived there her whole life. She attended John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, graduating in 1977. She continued her education, earning an associate's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Later, she received a bachelor's degree in health and human services from St. Joseph's College (New York). She also earned a master's degree in human development and family studies from Capella University.

Community Work and Public Service

Before becoming an assembly member, Pamela Harris worked in public service. She was a corrections officer, helping to maintain safety and order. After retiring from that role, she became a dedicated community activist. She was well-known in her local area for leading an organization called Coney Island Generation Gap. Harris also played a big part in helping her community after Hurricane Sandy. She worked to support people who lost their homes or had property damage from the storm.

Her Time in the Assembly

Election to State Assembly

In July 2015, the assemblyman for the 46th district, Alec Brook-Krasny, left his job. Because of when he resigned, the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Kings County chose the new candidate. They did not hold a primary election for this special election.

Pamela Harris received strong support from many local Democratic leaders in Brooklyn. These included U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and New York State Assemblyman William Colton. She also had the backing of New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Councilmen Mark Treyger and David Greenfield. The committee selected her as the Democratic candidate. She also gained support from the Working Families Party.

After becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris received more endorsements. These came from other politicians and various organizations. Important labor unions, like local 1199–SEIU United Healthcare Workers, supported her. Other groups included the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association of the City of New York and the United Federation of Teachers.

On November 3, 2015, a special election was held. Pamela Harris won with 62.9% of the votes. Her opponent, Lucretia Regina-Potter, received 37.1% of the votes. Regina-Potter ran on both the Republican Party and Conservative Party lines. Harris was sworn into office the next month. With this victory, she made history. Pamela Harris became the first black woman to represent a district in New York City where most residents were white.

Re-election and Achievements

Pamela Harris was chosen again as the Democratic candidate in September 2016. She won the primary election against Katie A. Cucco. She was then re-elected in the general election on November 8, 2016. In that election, she again defeated Regina-Potter, along with Mikhail Usher and Patrick Dwyer.

End of Her Public Service

On April 2, 2018, Pamela Harris resigned from her position in the Assembly. She sent a letter to Carl Heastie, the Assembly Speaker. She left her role to focus on personal matters.