Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Khari Edwards for Brooklyn Borough President
Candidate Name: Khari Edwards
Office Seeking Election for: Brooklyn Borough President
Campaign Website: https://www.khariedwards2025.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am Khari Edwards—a proud son of immigrants, devoted husband and father, and a lifelong public servant with deep roots in Brooklyn. For over 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of community, health, and equity to improve the lives of our borough’s residents. Whether serving as Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital—expanding healthcare access for over 1.3 million Brooklynites—or in my current role as Head of Corporate Responsibility at Ayr Wellness—leading social and restorative justice efforts in communities impacted by cannabis criminalization—my focus has always been about bringing real, tangible solutions to the people who need them most.
Equity, inclusion, and engagement are the pillars of everything I do. I’ve founded initiatives like “It Starts Here” to uplift and empower underserved youth and families. As Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish NY, and through service on multiple educational and community boards, I’ve brought people together across neighborhoods and sectors to drive meaningful change.
I believe that real progress happens when we build strong partnerships and coalitions—when government, community organizations, and everyday Brooklynites work together. I’ve spent my life doing just that.
Raised and educated right here—from St. Mark’s Day School to Midwood High School to Thomas Edison University—I understand both the lived experiences and aspirations of our communities. I live in Crown Heights with my wife, our three children, and our fur baby, and I’m running to ensure every family in Brooklyn has the opportunity to thrive.
With a track record rooted in service, a heart for community, and a deep commitment to equity and unity, I am ready to lead Brooklyn forward—together.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
During my tenure at Brookdale Hospital, I was a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ equity in healthcare. Recognizing the biases and disparities often faced by LGBTQ+ patients, I worked to implement policies that promoted dignity, inclusion, and respect across the institution. One of the most meaningful partnerships I helped build was with Wendy Stark, who at the time served as CEO of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center—a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare provider.
I engaged Callen-Lorde to lead cultural competency and bias-reduction training for Brookdale’s
staff, helping to shift both attitudes and practices. I also facilitated Brookdale Hospital becoming
the first healthcare institution in Brooklyn to issue a formal letter of support for Callen-Lorde’s new Brooklyn campus, underscoring our commitment to accessible, affirming care for all.
These efforts reflect my belief in building strong partnerships to advance equity and inclusion— not just in word, but in action. I remain committed to standing with the LGBTQ+ community and continuing the work to ensure Brooklyn is a place where everyone feels seen, respected, and cared for. It was my intention to endorse Crystal Hudson, who I consider a friend and who represents me in the 35th Council district.
Although she is not a political candidate, I have supported and endorsed the leadership of Sandra Scott, who is the CEO of One Brooklyn Health, a member of the community who I fought for to ensure that she was elevated to her current role.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Absolutely.
4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?
While I haven’t personally attended large-scale protests or rallies, my commitment to justice and equity has been deeply reflected in my professional work. In my role as Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at Ayr Wellness, I’ve both sponsored and participated in Pride and equity rallies in Pennsylvania and Nevada, helping to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and visibility in communities that have historically been marginalized.
I’m also proud to be one of the co-founders of Rainbow Roots, our company’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, which creates a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. Through this work, we’ve created internal policy changes, elevated diverse voices, and helped influence our broader corporate culture to be more equitable and affirming.
My activism may not always look like marching in the streets, but it is rooted in action, advocacy, and institutional change—ensuring the communities I care about are seen, heard, and supported every day.
5. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
As a Black man, the son of immigrants, and a lifelong advocate for equity, I understand firsthand what’s at stake under a Trump administration that has shown blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and immigrant communities. I refuse to sit by silently while our freedoms are under attack.
My plan to resist this harmful agenda begins with building strong, intersectional coalitions. We are stronger together—and I believe that now more than ever, we must unite across communities to defend our shared civil rights. I will work to organize joint rallies, forums, and advocacy campaigns that bring together leaders and everyday people from all affected groups to demonstrate our collective power and demand justice.
In my role as Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility, I’ve seen the impact of mobilizing voices from the ground up. I will use that experience to support grassroots organizing, fund advocacy efforts, and ensure local and state governments enact protections that shield vulnerable communities from federal rollbacks.
Education is also key—I will champion public awareness campaigns that inform, inspire, and activate Brooklyn residents to speak out, vote, and get involved. We will not allow fear or division to silence us.
This is a fight for the soul of our democracy. And I am committed to leading with courage, standing in solidarity, and doing the real, sustained work of protecting our communities and preserving our values.
6. Will you seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera or Erick Salgado? Will you pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions in the event you receive an endorsement from such individuals?
I would not seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera, or Erick Salgado. These positions are fundamentally at odds with my values and commitment to equity and inclusion. If I were to receive an endorsement from such individuals, I would unequivocally denounce their homophobia and anti-choice stances, making it clear that I stand firmly in support of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom. My priority is to advocate for policies that uphold dignity, respect, and equality for all.
7. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
1. Advocacy and Legislation: I will work closely with local and state legislators to pass laws that protect New Yorkers from discriminatory federal policies. This includes safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights, immigrant rights, and access to healthcare.
2. Legal Challenges: I will support and initiate legal challenges against federal policies that violate the rights of New Yorkers. By collaborating with advocacy groups and legal experts, we can fight against unjust regulations and executive orders.
3. Community Support: I will increase funding for community organizations that provide essential services to those affected by harmful federal policies. This includes mental health services, legal assistance, and housing support.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: I will launch public awareness campaigns to educate New Yorkers about their rights and the resources available to them. This will empower individuals to stand up against discrimination and seek the support they need.
5. Coalition Building: I will build coalitions with other city and state leaders, as well as national organizations, to create a united front against harmful federal policies. Together, we can amplify our voices and push for change at the highest levels. I am determined to do my part to protect the rights and well-being of all New Yorkers, ensuring that Brooklyn, and our city in general, remains a beacon of inclusivity and justice.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
No, but while I worked in Albany for the State Senate, we did sponsor and support several under the leadership and direction of John Sampson in support of Senator Tom Duane’s request.
10. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement
New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I am deeply committed to protecting immigrant communities and ensuring that New York City remains a true Sanctuary City—not just in name, but in practice. My approach is rooted in equity, compassion, and action.
First, I will advocate for policies that guarantee undocumented individuals access to critical services—including healthcare, education, housing, and legal support—without fear of
deportation or discrimination. No one should have to choose between their safety and their survival.
Second, I will push for increased funding for community-based organizations that serve immigrant families, providing trusted, culturally competent resources in the neighborhoods where people live and work.
I also support the expansion of safe zones—including schools, libraries, hospitals, and places of worship—where immigrant New Yorkers can seek refuge from federal enforcement actions and feel protected.
Under my leadership, I will establish an Office of Immigration Services within the Office of the Borough President, working in close coordination with the General Counsel, to offer direct support, referrals, and advocacy for immigrants navigating legal and social systems. This office will serve as a hub for empowerment, information, and protection.
Most importantly, I will work hand-in-hand with immigrant rights groups, local officials, and faith and community leaders to ensure policies are community-informed and people- centered. In Brooklyn, we don’t just welcome immigrants—we fight for them.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
Brooklyn is facing a homelessness crisis not seen since the Great Depression. Skyrocketing rents, a lack of deeply affordable housing, and underinvestment in public and supportive housing have left far too many—including our newly arrived asylum-seeking neighbors— without a stable place to call home. Many are now forced to rely on temporary shelters, food programs, or, tragically, the streets.
I am deeply committed to representing the most vulnerable in our communities. That means creating safe, dignified, and stable spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers. My plan includes advocating for increased funding for emergency shelters, supportive housing, and long-term wraparound services such as healthcare, mental health care, education, legal support, and job training.
I also support modernizing and expanding programs like CityFHEPS, making it more responsive to the realities of today’s housing market and better aligned with community needs. We must remove bureaucratic barriers that prevent people from moving into permanent housing quickly and sustainably.
In addition, I will champion the expansion of food equity initiatives in underserved areas— supporting programs similar to SAGE’s Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders, the Brooklyn
Community Pride Center, and The Okra Project, which deliver nourishment, dignity, and community to those most in need.
To be clear: I have never opposed any shelter in my district. I have always supported initiatives that provide opportunity, stability, and hope for our neighbors. I believe we must treat all people—regardless of their housing or immigration status—with respect and compassion, and that means fighting for truly affordable housing and building partnerships between city government, advocacy groups, and everyday Brooklynites to deliver real solutions.
12. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2970, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text urges the NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act, which would ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. If not, please explain.
Yes, I will amplify and advocate for the passage Resolution 2970 once elected.
13. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2917, introduced by Council Member Crystal Hudson? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text endorses the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a “universal right to counsel” for indigent New Yorkers who are subject to removal proceedings under federal immigration law. If not, please explain.
Yes, I will amplify and advocate for the passage Resolution 2917 once elected
14. Will you join our efforts to pass legislation mandating the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release? The legislation is commonly known as the New York Elder Parole Bill.
Yes, I would support mandated review of sentences to determine whether an elder neighbor can be rehomed after serving their designated time.
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, and even more so now with the understanding that people have been wrongly accused for crimes.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, but if the inmate possesses a danger to others, there must be alternatives, but not as a basis of punishment.
17. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
Yes
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Absolutely. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the retributive justice system on communities of color, I am fully committed to transforming our penal system toward a restorative model of justice. Far too often, Black and Brown families are torn apart by policies that punish rather than heal—policies that perpetuate cycles of incarceration instead of breaking them.
Restorative justice offers a more humane and effective path forward—one that centers accountability, healing, and community reintegration. It prioritizes repairing harm, rather than simply assigning blame, and gives voice to victims while supporting the rehabilitation of those who have caused harm.
I will champion policies that expand diversion programs, fund restorative practices in schools and communities, and reallocate resources toward mental health, housing, and social services—the true building blocks of public safety. My goal is to help build a justice system that reflects our shared values of dignity, fairness, and redemption.
This is not just about policy; it’s about principle. I believe in a Brooklyn where justice heals
instead of harms, and I am committed to doing the work to make that vision a reality.
19. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Absolutely
20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Eric Adams
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I have concentrated on my race, and have not thought about any endorsements of other candidates in this race.
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”?
If not, please explain.
My plan to address rent affordability starts with a neighborhood-centered, income-conscious approach. I believe that when we talk about “affordable housing,” we must be clear: affordable to whom? For too long, affordability has been measured in ways that don’t reflect the reality of working families—especially in communities like Brooklyn.
I support developing housing based on neighborhood Area Median Income (AMI) to ensure that people earning between $35,000 and $80,000—essential workers, young professionals, seniors, and families—aren’t priced out of the communities they helped build. We must also preserve existing affordable units, strengthen rent stabilization protections, and increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing.
As for the “City of Yes” initiative—I did not initially support it. While I agree that we need to build more housing, I could not support a one-size-fits-all plan that doesn't prioritize true affordability or account for infrastructure, community input, and displacement risks. Housing policy must be multi-faceted, not simply driven by volume or market interests. Without safeguards and accountability, there’s a real danger of building new units that are financially out of reach for those who need them most.
I’m committed to smart, equitable development that uplifts communities, not displaces them—and to working with local residents to shape housing policy that meets our collective needs.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I fully support projects that align with my commitment to ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those from marginalized communities, have access to safe and affordable housing. For example, the proposed Haven Green development in the Lower East Side, which aims to create much-needed housing for LGBTQ+ seniors and other vulnerable populations.
To address the broader affordability crisis and increase housing availability, I plan to take several key steps:
1. Expedite Affordable Housing Projects: I will work to streamline the approval and construction processes for affordable housing developments, ensuring that projects like Haven Green can move forward without unnecessary delays.
2. Supportive Housing Initiatives: I will advocate for increased funding and support for supportive housing programs that provide affordable housing and essential services such as mental health care and substance use treatment.
3. Community-Based Solutions: I will empower community boards and local organizations to have greater say in housing development decisions, ensuring that new projects meet the specific needs of their neighborhoods.
4. Protecting Renters: I will push for stronger tenant protections to prevent displacement and ensure that renters have stable and secure housing options.
5. Welcoming New Yorkers: Recognizing the influx of individuals moving to New York to escape harmful policies in other states/countries, I will work to create a welcoming environment with accessible resources and support networks for these newcomers. By implementing these measures, I intend to create a more inclusive and affordable housing landscape in New York City, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
25. Do you support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla?
Yes
26. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
Based on my life experiences and accomplishments, I believe the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club should see me as a dynamic, progressive, and equity-driven leader ready to deliver for all of Brooklyn.
As the son of immigrants raised in Brooklyn, I’ve spent over 25 years working across healthcare, community development, and advocacy to confront systemic inequities and uplift the most vulnerable. My tenure as Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital allowed me to expand healthcare access for over 1.3 million residents, and as Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish NY, I’ve worked to bring hope to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
One deeply personal and formative moment in my journey came through helping a neighbor who identified as LGBTQ+ access safe, affirming healthcare after experiencing discrimination. That experience reinforced my belief that equity is not just a policy goal—it must be lived, practiced, and defended daily.
Professionally, I’ve built strong relationships with LGBTQ+ leaders and institutions, including facilitating the first letter of support from a Brooklyn hospital for Callen-Lorde’s Brooklyn campus and co-founding Rainbow Roots, an LGBTQ+ employee resource group within my current role as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Ayr Wellness. I’ve also supported and attended Pride Equity Rallies in Pennsylvania and Nevada, expanding our commitment to visibility, dignity, and justice.
I am the founder of “It Starts Here,” a powerful initiative connecting students with victims of gun violence to foster healing and safety, and I’ve remained deeply rooted in Brooklyn through every chapter of my life—from St. Mark’s Day School to Midwood High School to my continued public service today.
I’m running because I believe Brooklyn deserves leadership that reflects its diversity, fights for justice, and shows up for every community—especially those too often left behind. I am committed to advancing racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant rights, affordable housing, and restorative justice, and I would be honored to earn your support in this fight.
Together, we can build a Brooklyn where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported.
27. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I believe the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club should see me as a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office. Growing up in Brooklyn as the son of immigrants, I’ve dedicated over 25 years to serving diverse communities and addressing disparities in health, education, and civic engagement. One moment that stands out in my career was during my time as Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital. I vividly remember organizing a community health fair that brought together hundreds of residents, offering free screenings and resources to families who had never had access to such services before. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces reinforced my commitment to improving healthcare access for over 1.3 million residents.
28. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
No, I am not