Caribbean-American Rep. Yvette Clarke launches re-election bid in Brooklyn’s 9th District

Caribbean-American Democratic U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke has officially launched her re-election campaign, drawing a large crowd of supporters, community leaders, and residents to her Central Brooklyn headquarters on Saturday, April 11.

The kickoff event, held along Nostrand Avenue near Maple Street, marked the start of Clarke’s bid to retain her seat representing New York’s 9th Congressional District — an area known for its strong Caribbean-American population. The district includes Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23, with early voting running from June 13 to June 21.

Addressing supporters, Clarke — the daughter of Jamaican immigrants — reflected on her upbringing in Brooklyn and her deep ties to the community.

“I’m so grateful to be here in the community that raised me,” she said, noting that her parents built their lives in Flatbush, where she still lives today.

Clarke was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on November 21, 1964, to Lesley Clarke and former city councilwoman Una Clarke, both immigrants from Jamaica.

Clarke emphasized that despite hard work and resilience, many families in the district continue to face economic challenges.

She pointed to rising costs for housing, food, and fuel, while also criticizing what she described as policies that benefit wealthier Americans at the expense of working families.

“Tax breaks for the wealthy while cutting healthcare, food assistance, and housing support are straining families,” Clarke said. She also expressed concern about increased federal spending on defense and international conflicts, arguing that such priorities divert resources away from domestic needs.

Clarke, who currently serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said the political climate underscores the importance of experienced leadership.

“We need proven fighters in Congress,” she said. “The stakes could not be higher, and our determination must be stronger than ever.”

During the campaign launch, Clarke also highlighted her legislative record, including efforts to address misinformation and emerging technologies. She has introduced measures such as the DEEPFAKES Accountability Act and the REAL Political Ads Act, aimed at increasing transparency and regulating artificial intelligence-generated content in political advertising.

Separately, Clarke recently joined fellow lawmakers in calling for revisions to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), citing the need to address the nation’s housing affordability crisis. She aligned with senior legislators, including Maxine Waters, urging Congress to strengthen provisions that expand homeownership opportunities, protect tenants, and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Clarke said bipartisan cooperation will be critical to advancing meaningful housing reform.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that families across America receive the support they need,” she said, calling on lawmakers to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the legislation.

With decades of public service, including her tenure on the New York City Council, Clarke framed her campaign as a continuation of her longstanding commitment to Central Brooklyn.

As the June primary approaches, she urged supporters to remain engaged and mobilized.

“When we fight, we win,” Clarke told the crowd, encouraging voters to head to the polls in the weeks ahead.

Clarke has been serving as the U.S. representative for New York’s 9th congressional district since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, she first entered Congress in 2007, representing New York’s 11th congressional district until redistricting. Clarke represented the 40th district in Brooklyn on the New York City Council from 2002 to 2006.