Donovan Richards Jr.[1] (born April 9, 1983) is an American politician serving as the Borough President of Queens. He is also a former New York City Council member, having represented the 31st district. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Donovan Richards
Richards in 2022
21st Borough President of Queens
Assumed office
December 2, 2020
DeputyEbony Young
Preceded bySharon Lee (acting)
Member of the New York City Council
from the 31st district
In office
February 20, 2013 – December 2, 2020
Preceded byJames Sanders, Jr.
Succeeded bySelvena Brooks-Powers
Personal details
Born (1983-04-09) April 9, 1983 (age 41)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationNyack College
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
WebsiteOfficial website

His former district includes portions of Arverne, Bayswater, Broad Channel, Cambria Heights, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Howard Beach, Jamaica, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Laurelton, Rockaway Beach, Rosedale, South Ozone Park and Springfield Gardens in Queens.

Richards was the Democratic nominee for Queens Borough President in the November 3, 2020 general election. He defeated the Republican nominee Joann Ariola and independent candidate Dao Yin. Richards was sworn in as Queens Borough President on December 2, 2020.

Life and career

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Richards was born and raised in southeast Queens. When he was young, he served with a mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on behalf of St. Albans Congregational Church.

He attended Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, New York later graduating from Jamaica High School in Queens.[2] He subsequently attended Nyack College, then Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens.[2]

New York City Council

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In June 2011, Richards became the chief of staff for New York City Councilman James 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%

Queens Borough President bid

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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.

References

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  1. ^ "About Borough President Donovan Richards – Office of the Queens Borough President". Retrieved 2022-11-12.
  2. ^ a b "Can Donovan Richards find himself?". City & State NY. March 15, 2020.
  3. ^ "Borough President". web.enrboenyc.us. Retrieved 2021-06-23.
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Political offices
Preceded by Member of the New York City Council
from the 31st district

2013–2020
Succeeded by
Preceded by Borough President of Queens
2020–present
Incumbent