Donovan Richards


Donovan Richards is the Council member for the 31st District of the New York City Council. He is a Democrat.
The 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.
In June 2020, Richards presently leads as the Democratic Party nominee for Borough President of Queens and will run in the general election in November 2020 if the results hold.

Life and career

Richards was born and raised in southeast Queens. When he was young, he served with a mission in Port-a-Prince, Haiti on behalf of St. Albans Congregational Church.

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. Richards was appointed to be the chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises.

Queens Borough President bid

In June 2020, Richards secured the Democratic nomination for Borough President of Queens.