Brooklyn’s newest Democratic district leader makes history
Nancy Tong is first Asian-American to hold office in borough
In an event that will mark a major milestone in Brooklyn politics, Nancy Tong will be sworn into office on Sept. 21 as the Democratic Party district leader in Gravesend-Bensonhurst, the first Asian-American to hold a political post in the borough.
Various political luminaries from around the borough are expected to attend the ceremony, which will take place on Sunday at the Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, 7802 Bay Parkway, at 11 a.m.
Tong ran unopposed for the post of female district leader, officially called state committeewoman, in the 47th Assembly District (A.D.) in the Democratic primary on Sept. 9.
Because she was running unopposed, Tong automatically became the district leader when the polls closed on primary election night. She succeeds Jeannette Givant, the leader who retired after serving in the post for 10 years. Tong will serve alongside Charles Ragusa, the male district leader in the 47th A.D.
The freshman district leader said she is looking forward to her new role. “This is a historic occasion for the Asian-American community and the people of Brooklyn. I am proud of my heritage and I look forward to continue serving the people of southwest Brooklyn with my new position,” she said.