Chris Banks is an American politician who is a member of the New York City Council for the 42nd district. He took office in January 2024.[1]

Early life

Banks was born in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. His mother was an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, and his father was from Houston, Texas.[1]

Career

In 2012, Banks ran for the 60th district in the New York State Assembly, losing the Democratic primary to incumbent Inez Barron.[2] He subsequently challenged Inez Barron and her husband Charles Barron four more times unsuccessfully in Assembly and district leader races.[2][3]

In 2023, Banks ran for the 42nd New York City Council district. He defeated incumbent Charles Barron in the primary, and won the general election unopposed.[3] Barron had a history of making controversial statements, including expressions of support for Robert Mugabe and Muammar Gaddafi.[4]

Before his election, Banks was a community activist.[4] His experience includes being a member of Community Board 5, president of the New York Police Department’s 75th Precinct Community Council, and the founder of the East New York Coalition, a group that advocated against additional homeless shelters in East New York.[3]

Banks voted against The City of Yes on Thursday December 5, 2024 that will create more affordable housing in New York City.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ a b "District 42". Chris Banks. 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  2. ^ a b Hogan, Gwynne (2023-06-28). "How Insurgent Chris Banks Toppled the Barrons' Stronghold in East New York — For Now". THE CITY - NYC News. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  3. ^ a b c Edwards, Christopher (2023-12-13). "Get to Know Chris Banks, East New York's Newest Councilmember-Elect". BKReader. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  4. ^ a b Beer, Isabel Song (2023-06-28). "Newcomer Chris Banks predicted to unseat legacy Council Member Charles Barron in Dem primary • Brooklyn Paper". Brooklyn Paper. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  5. ^ Fitzsimmons, Emma G. (5 December 2024). "New York City Approves a Plan to Create 80,000 New Homes". The New York Times.
  6. ^ "How Each NYC Councilmember Voted on City of Yes for Housing". 6 December 2024.
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