Nathaniel Hezekiah III Wins Democratic Primary For New York State Assembly District 32

By Edwin Freeman, Black Star News Photos: Edwin Freeman A new chapter has begun in Southeast Queens. On June 23, 2026, voters in New York’s 32nd Assembly District elected Nathaniel Hezekiah III as the Democratic nominee for State Assembly, positioning him to succeed longtime Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the district. With 91% of the expected vote reported, Hezekiah secured a decisive victory, earning 3,617 votes (51.9%), more than doubling the support of his closest competitor. His commanding performance reflected a broad coalition of community support and a campaign rooted in public service, affordability, and neighborhood advocacy. The final unofficial results showed: Nathaniel Hezekiah III – 3,617 votes (51.9%) Latoya LeGrand – 1,375 votes (19.7%) Mohammed Molla – 755 votes (10.8%) Tunisia Morrison – 693 votes (9.9%) Queen Johnson – 512 votes (7.3%) Write-ins – 16 votes (0.2%) For many residents, the election represented more than a political contest—it marked the beginning of a generational transition in Southeast Queens leadership. A Victory Built on Community Trust Born and raised in South Jamaica, Hezekiah has spent nearly two decades serving the people of Southeast Queens. His experience as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Gregory Meeks gave him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing working families, seniors, public housing residents, and small business owners throughout the district. Throughout the campaign, Hezekiah focused on issues that resonated deeply with voters, including affordable housing, NYCHA repairs, healthcare access, workforce development, public education, and protecting homeowners from deed theft. His message of practical leadership and community-centered service helped galvanize voters across the district and ultimately propelled him to victory. The Legacy of Vivian E. Cook Hezekiah’s victory also represents the continuation of a legacy established by Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook, who has represented the district since 1991 and became the first Black woman elected to serve the 32nd Assembly District. Earlier in the campaign, Cook endorsed Hezekiah as her preferred successor, signaling confidence in his ability to continue advocating for the communities she has represented for more than 35 years. Her endorsement carried significant weight throughout Southeast Queens and helped unify a coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, community advocates, and grassroots supporters behind Hezekiah’s candidacy. A Coalition That Delivered Hezekiah entered Election Day with support from a wide range of elected officials and labor organizations, including Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Council Member Ty Hankerson, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, and numerous labor unions representing thousands of working New Yorkers. That coalition translated into strong voter turnout and a decisive electoral mandate. By surpassing the 50-percent threshold in a crowded five-candidate field, Hezekiah demonstrated broad support across the district and emerged as the clear choice of Democratic voters. Looking Ahead As the Democratic nominee in a heavily Democratic district, Hezekiah now moves forward toward the November general election with momentum and community support behind him. For Southeast Queens residents, the election signals both continuity and renewal—a transition from one historic era of leadership to the next. The torch that Vivian Cook carried for more than three decades has now been passed. On June 23, 2026, Southeast Queens made its choice. Nathaniel Hezekiah III is the Democratic nominee for New York State Assembly District 32, and the future of Southeast Queens leadership has begun. Edwin Freeman is a community advocate, journalist, and contributor to Black Star News, covering issues impacting New York communities, public policy, and grassroots leadership.