Donovan Richards
American politician (born 1983)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Donovan J. Richards Jr.[1] (born April 9, 1983) is an American politician serving as the Borough President of Queens. He is also a former New York City Council member, having represented the 31st district. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Donovan Richards | |
|---|---|
Richards in 2025 in Queens | |
| 21st Borough President of Queens | |
| Assumed office December 2, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Sharon Lee (acting) |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 31st district | |
| In office February 20, 2013 – December 2, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | James Sanders Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Selvena Brooks-Powers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 9, 1983 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Nyack College Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology |
His former district includes portions of Arverne, Bayswater, Broad Channel, Cambria Heights, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Howard Beach, Jamaica, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Laurelton, Rockaway Beach, Rosedale, South Ozone Park and Springfield Gardens in Queens.
Richards was the Democratic nominee for Queens Borough President in the November 3, 2020 general election. He defeated the Republican nominee Joann Ariola and independent candidate Dao Yin. Richards was sworn in as Queens Borough President on December 2, 2020.
Life and career
Richards was born and raised in southeast Queens. When he was young, he served with a mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on behalf of St. Albans Congregational Church.
He attended Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, New York later graduating from Jamaica High School in Queens.[2] He subsequently attended Nyack College, then Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens.[2]
New York City Council
In June 2011, Richards became the chief of staff for New York City Councilman James Sanders, Jr., and when Sanders was elected to the New York State Senate, Richards won a 2013 special election to succeed him. Richards was appointed chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection.[citation needed] Richards was appointed to be the chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises.[citation needed]
| Election history | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Year | Election | Results |
| NYC Council District 31 |
2013 | Special | √ Donovan Richards 29.11% Pesach Osina 28.24% Jacques Leandre 13.38% Michael R. Duncan 11.18% Selvena Brooks 11.14% Marie Adam-Ovide 2.08% Saywala Kesselly 1.87% |
| NYC Council District 31 |
2013 | Democratic Primary | √ Donovan Richards 51.60% Michael R. Duncan 35.83% Ricardo A. Brown 12.57% |
| NYC Council District 31 |
2013 | General | √ Donovan Richards (D) 91.77% Scherie S. Murray (R) 5.45% Ricardo A. Brown (Jobs & Education) 2.68% |