BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, who represents the 56th District in parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights, won’t seek re-election this fall, according to reports.
During a Saturday meeting of the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association, Robinson, who was elected to the district in 2002, also voiced her support for Brooklyn Community Board 3’s chairwoman Tremaine Wright as her successor, Kings County Politics first reported.
Wright, the former owner of Bed-Stuy coffee shop Common Grounds, is expected to run against community activist Karen Cherry.
In a statement, Wright said the 56th Assembly District has “been lucky” to have Robinson as their advocate.
“She has worked and continues to work tirelessly to ensure that resources are allocated for this community,” she said.
“I am honored to have the support of Assemblywoman Robinson. I am committed to continuing the work of protecting and improving our community.”
Robinson could not immediately be reached for comment.
Wright grew up in Bed-Stuy and pursued a career in law, also serving on the community board for more than a decade. In 2007, she opened up local coffee shop Common Grounds.
The café and community space recently closed as the owner geared up for her Assembly run.
Also vying for Robinson’s seat is Cherry, activist and current community liaison for Assemblyman Erik Dilan.
Cherry, who lived in the neighborhood’s Tompkins Houses, served as director of community relations and senior citizen affairs for former Congressman Ed Towns, and said she is excited at the opportunity to run for the position.
“I just want to be as great as she was,” Cherry said, adding that she has a “vision for every aspect of the district and every age.
“Every side of the district is suffering from so many different issues, crime is on one end, people being forced out on the other, people looking for jobs. Collaboratively we have to come together, starting with dialogue on how to serve the people.”
The state Assembly primary election is Sept. 13.
