A longtime local Democratic politician is running for a New York state Assembly seat. Willie Lightfoot Sr., who is currently in his 2nd term as a City Councilman at Large will run for Assembly in the 137th district.
That’s the seat currently held by Democrat Demond Meeks, who was first elected in 2020 and was re-elected in 2022. The seat previously was held by the late David Gantt, who was in the Assembly for 37 years.
Before Lightfoot got elected to City Council, he served for 10 years as a Monroe County Legislator.
In a statement Monday, Lightfoot said that it is time “for us to come together to take back our city from the dangers that have plagued it.”
Lightfoot has been active in anti-violence efforts, his campaign statement talked about his push to establish the Roc Against Gun Violence Coalition.
Lightfoot is also a retired city firefighter and is a barber and owns a hair salon.
And it appears there could be a Democratic primary next year.
Although he did not make an official re-election announcement, Meeks issued a statement Monday night saying that he looks forward to earning the continued support of residents living in the 137th Assembly District.
Meeks also said that he remains “steadfast in my commitment to working toward the betterment of our community” and will continue to advocate for resources that uplift children and families.
It also appears that county Republicans intend to have a candidate for the seat in 2024. County GOP Chairman Patrick Reilly released a statement saying that the Republican Party “is committed to giving the voters a true choice for new leadership in Albany next November.”
