Khari Edwards seeks rematch in Democratic primary for Brooklyn borough president
Khari Edwards is challenging incumbent Antonio Reynoso after the two faced off in 2021.
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There is a rematch in the Brooklyn borough president race for the Democratic nominee.
Khari Edwards is challenging incumbent Antonio Reynoso after the two faced off in 2021.
Edwards said he didn't plan to run for Brooklyn borough president again, but threw his hat in the ring after speaking with Brooklyn residents.
"Folks need a full person that will come to every community. Talk to everyone, find out what their issues are," he said.
A son of Central Brooklyn, Edwards is known as a community advocate and as the head of Corporate Responsibility at Ayr Wellness, a cannabis company.
He previously spent nearly a decade as vice president of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital and has worked with elected officials, non-profits and city agencies.
Edwards said he's been a strong voice in Brooklyn on restorative justice, helping expunge thousands of non-violent criminal records.
"One gentleman said it was like removing paper handcuffs, giving him his life back," he said.
If elected borough president, Edwards said his top priorities would include affordable housing, childcare, education and addressing food insecurity.
"In Brooklyn, 250,000 people go to bed hungry at night, so my thing is to invest in those food pantries," Edwards said.
As to where he draws inspiration, Edwards points to his mother who was murdered at 77 years old inside her East Flatbush home in 2022.
"My mom was this more outspoken giver, got me on the path of good public service, always telling me to pay it forward, a champion for MWPE rights. Always wanted the community to have a seat at the table," he said.
Early voting begins June 14.
