Rhoda Jacobs to retire from the state Assembly; race on for her seat

Assemblymember Rhoda Jacobs, who has served for 36 years of the 42^nd Assembly District—covering Midwood and parts of Flatbush—in New York State, will retire when her current term ends in December, 2014.

The 18-term assemblymember endorsed long-time supporter and community leader/advocate Leithland Rickie Tulloch to replace her, calling him “a proven leader who understands the 42^nd Assembly District” and the many community voices, which include Caribbean American and Orthodox Jewish perspectives.

Tulloch is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Erasmus Hall High School in Flatbush, and serves as deputy CFO of Harlem Hospital Center. He previously served as treasurer of Community Board 17, chair of the Flatbush Action Community Day Care Center, board member of the Erasmus Neighborhood Association and vice chair of the West Indian Progressive Action Council, among other roles.

“I hope to continue Assemblymember Jacobs’ legacy of clear, strong and effective leadership on behalf of the diverse and hard-working residents of our district,” said Tulloch. “I will provide the kind of leadership that will engage others with different perspectives. I have the education, I have the experience and above all, I am committed to making a difference.”

Also seeking to fill Jacobs’ soon-to-be vacated seat is current 42^nd Assembly District Leader Rodneyse Bichotte, who has already gained the endorsements of Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Councilmembers Jumaane Williams and Laurie Cumbo.

Former Assembly candidate Michele Adolphe has also reportedly announced her intention to run for Jacobs’ seat.

Jacobs was first elected in 1978, since serving as assistant speaker, chair of the social services committee, and most recently as member of the committees on health, insurance, rules, and ways and means. She also serves on the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Task Force on Women’s Issues.

“I would like to thank my constituents for affording me the privilege of serving them,” Jacobs said in a statement, “at the forefront of significant issues in health care, education, child care, women’s equality, affordable housing, consumer protection and economic and environmental justice.

“We will continue to provide these services until the end of the year [and] I look forward to continuing to be an active voice for our community,” she added.