Watch: Newly Elected Assemblywoman Pam Harris Takes Seat In Albany, Vows To Fight For District

https://youtu.be/jMg4aas6Fio

Assemblywoman Pamela Harris took her seat in the state legislature Wednesday as it held its first session of the new year.

The newly-elected assemblywomen stood beaming as she was introduced on the Assembly floor by Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, who described Harris’ career as a corrections officer and her longtime community activism.

In a statement released by her office, Harris pledged to continue going to bat for her constituents and work hard to bring needed services to her district.

“I’ve dedicated my life to helping our local communities thrive, and now I’m humbled by the faith and confidence the people of Brooklyn have shown in me,” she said. “I look forward to working with the state legislature and the governor to serve as an advocate in Albany for the interests of our people. I’ll fight to bring more good-paying jobs, to give our children the educational opportunities they deserve and to make our streets safer for our families.”

Harris is the first black candidate in New York City’s history to win a white-majority district, and the first African American to represent the 46th District. She won her seat in November, filling the position vacated by Alec Brook-Krasny, who stepped down in July to take a job in the private sector.

During her campaign, during which she faced Republican candidate Lucretia Regina-Potter, Harris promised to continue her work to steer youth away from crime and help her community recover from Superstorm Sandy. She also pledged to crack down on illegal home conversions in the district.