Richards begins first full term as borough president

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards began his first full term in office over the weekend. Photo courtesy of Borough President’s Office

By Rachel Vick

Donovan Richards began his first full term as Queens Borough President over the weekend after being sworn in on the front steps of Borough Hall.

The quiet ceremony marked his transition from winning the special election to winning the November general election.

“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to continue serving the 2.4 million residents of the borough of Queens,” Richards said.

“I know a great deal of trust and faith has been placed in me to lead our Borough as it seeks to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and enjoy a brighter future,” he added. “With the help and support of the people of Queens, we will make sure a brighter future is ahead.”

His public inauguration ceremony was scheduled for Jan. 16, but has been postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Richards’ wife and son were standing by as he was sworn in by New York City Clerk Michael McSweeney. Also present was newly appointed Queens Deputy Borough President Ebony Young.

“It is a great privilege to serve Queens as its Deputy Borough President, and I look forward to working with Borough President Richards as he begins his first full term in office,” Young said. “I know that, under the Borough President’s skillful and steadfast leadership, we will succeed in implementing his vision of a Queens that works for everyone.”

In 2020, Richards edged out four Democratic primary candidates and received a little over 35 percent of the vote in the special election to fill the vacancy created by former-Borough President Melinda Katz, who was elected to serve as Queens District Attorney the year prior. He cruised to victory in the 2020 general election, pulling in nearly 70 percent of the vote over Republican challenger and now-City Councilmember Joann Ariola.

In 2021, Richards again faced several of the same challengers in the Democratic primary, including former City Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley and Jimmy Van Bramer. The first ranked-choice voting primary for the seat in the city’s history, saw Richards come out on top, narrowly defeating Crowley, who finished second in voting for the second year in a row.

Richards won around 65 percent of the vote over Republican challenger Thomas Zmich in the November general election.