Brooklyn’s newest Democratic district leader makes history

Nancy Tong is first Asian-American to hold office in borough

September 18, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Nancy Tong is the first Asian-American political leader in Brooklyn. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas

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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.

Tong ran for the district leadership with the support of Assemblymember William Colton (D-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) and the United Progressive Democratic Club in Bensonhurst. The club also helped launch the career of Councilmember Mark Treyger, who was elected in November of 2013.

District leaders are grass-roots political party officials who perform the nuts and bolts work of politics, taking on tasks like recruiting candidates to run for office, gathering petition signatures to get candidates on the ballot and working phone banks to call voters on behalf of candidates. There is a female and male district leader in each of the major political parties in each assembly district in New York. The district leaders are also members of the state committees in their political parties.

Tong, who has lived in Bensonhurst for 12 years, got her start in public life by volunteering in her son Albert’s school. She eventually became a volunteer in Assemblyman William Colton’s office. Impressed by her dedication and work ethic, Colton hired her for a part-time position as a constituent liaison in his office.

“I truly enjoy helping people. It gives me great joy when I am able to help someone and make their life a little better or easier,” Tong said.

Tong was born in Hong Kong and grew up in New York City. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Colton said he is proud of his protégé. “Nancy has a long track record of serving people in our communities. When the position opened up, I knew Nancy was the right person to become our next female district leader. She helps thousands of people in my office every year. Her dedication to our community is unwavering,” he said.