Alicia Hyndman

Alicia Hyndman is a prominent member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 29th District. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been serving in this capacity since her election in 2015. The 29th District encompasses several neighborhoods in Queens, including Laurelton, Rosedale, St. Albans, Addisleigh Park, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, and Jamaica. Hyndman's legislative work is characterized by her commitment to education, community development, and social justice.

Early life and career

Alicia Hyndman was born on August 5, 1971, in London, England, to parents who had immigrated from the Caribbean. Her early life was marked by a significant transition when her family relocated to New York City during her childhood. They settled in the Queens neighborhoods of Hollis and later South Ozone Park, where she grew up. Hyndman attended public schools in the area, ultimately graduating from John Adams High School. Her educational journey continued at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Public Administration from Framingham State College in Massachusetts.

Hyndman's professional career began in the field of education policy. She held positions at the New York State Department of Education, Brooklyn College, and the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. These roles provided her with a strong foundation in educational governance and policy-making, which would later inform her legislative priorities. In addition to her work in education, Hyndman became actively involved in her community. She served as President of the Community District Education Council 29, a volunteer organization comprised of parents who advise the New York City School Chancellor on matters affecting numerous schools in Southeast Queens. In this role, she was instrumental in advocating for educational reforms and improvements within her district.

During her tenure as President of CDEC 29, Hyndman organized opposition to co-location proposals that would have placed multiple schools within the same facility, which she and other community members believed could negatively impact the quality of education. Notably, she led efforts against the co-location of I.S. 59Q and P.S. 15Q. Under her leadership, the council also voted to approve a "middle school choice" initiative, allowing parents in the district to select from various middle schools, thereby increasing educational options for families. Additionally, she played a key role in lobbying for the construction of a new school in St. Albans following the closure of a local Catholic school, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all students in her community.

Hyndman resides in Rosedale, Queens, where she is a mother to two daughters. Her personal experiences as a parent have further shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by families in her district, influencing her legislative priorities and community engagement.

Legislative service

Alicia Hyndman's entry into the New York State Assembly came in the wake of a special election held in 2015. Following the conviction of Assemblyman William Scarborough for felony charges related to the misuse of state funds, a vacancy was created in the 29th District. The Queens Democratic Party nominated Hyndman to fill this position. In the special election, she faced minimal opposition and secured a significant victory, winning with a substantial percentage of the vote. She was officially sworn into office on January 10, 2016.

Since her election, Hyndman has successfully navigated the political landscape of New York State, winning re-election in 2016 without facing any challengers. As of March 25, 2026, she has been serving in the Assembly for over ten years, during which time she has established herself as a dedicated advocate for her constituents and a proactive member of the legislative body.

Throughout her legislative career, Hyndman has collaborated with fellow elected officials and community organizations to address pressing issues in her district. One of her notable initiatives includes her partnership with local leaders and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to prevent the co-location of I.S. 109Q with a high school, reflecting her ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of educational institutions in her community.

Hyndman's legislative efforts also extend to broader social justice issues. During negotiations for the fiscal year 2017-2018 state budget, she was part of a coalition of Assembly Members of color who successfully advocated for the inclusion of legislation that raised the age of criminal prosecution for non-violent felonies from 16 to 18 years. This initiative aimed to reform the juvenile justice system and address disparities in how young individuals are treated within the legal framework.

Policy focus and district

Alicia Hyndman's policy focus is deeply rooted in her commitment to education, community development, and economic empowerment. She has worked closely with New York State Senators Leroy Comrie and James Sanders Jr., as well as Council Member Daneek Miller, to develop the "Freedom Ticket" pilot program. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges faced by residents in Southeast Queens, an area often described as a transit desert. The program would allow local residents to access reduced fare options for riding the Long Island Rail Road to Atlantic Terminal, with free transfers to buses and subways, thereby enhancing mobility and connectivity for the community.

In addition to transportation initiatives, Hyndman has championed legislation designed to support minority and women-owned businesses. She successfully passed a law that permits New York City to allocate up to $150,000 to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) without requiring a competitive bidding process. This measure seeks to promote economic opportunities for underrepresented business owners and foster diversity within the local economy.

Hyndman's work reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of her constituents in the 29th District. By focusing on education, transportation, and economic empowerment, she aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment for families and individuals in her community. Her ongoing legislative efforts demonstrate her commitment to serving the diverse population of Southeast Queens and advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice.