Jo Anne Simon

Jo Anne Simon is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 52nd District. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been involved in various political and civic activities throughout her career. The 52nd District encompasses several neighborhoods in Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, and DUMBO. In addition to her legislative role, Simon has also pursued candidacies for higher office, including a bid for Congress in New York's newly redrawn 10th congressional district in 2022.

Early life and career

Jo Anne Simon was born on October 5, 1952, in Yonkers, New York. As a first-generation college student, she pursued higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iona College. Her academic journey continued as she obtained a Master of Arts degree from Gallaudet University, an institution known for its focus on education for the deaf and hard of hearing. Simon later earned a Juris Doctor from the Fordham University School of Law, equipping her with the legal expertise that would inform her subsequent career.

Following her graduation from law school, Simon established a disability civil rights law firm located in Downtown Brooklyn. This venture allowed her to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, reflecting her commitment to social justice and civil rights. In addition to her legal practice, she contributed to the academic community as an adjunct assistant professor of law at Fordham University, where she shared her knowledge and experience with law students.

Simon has been a resident of Brooklyn for nearly four decades, during which she has engaged actively in local civic matters. Her leadership experience includes serving as the president of the Boerum Hill Association, a community organization focused on neighborhood issues. In 2014, she took on additional political responsibilities by being elected as the district leader and state committeewoman for the 52nd Assembly district. Her involvement in local governance and community advocacy laid the groundwork for her later election to the New York State Assembly.

Legislative service

In 2014, Jo Anne Simon entered the race for the New York State Assembly following the announcement of nine-term Assemblywoman Joan Millman’s retirement. Simon campaigned vigorously and emerged victorious in a three-way primary, securing over 53% of the vote. She subsequently won the general election with a significant majority, receiving 69% of the votes cast. Simon was sworn into office on January 1, 2015, marking the beginning of her legislative career.

Since taking office, Simon has served as the Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, where she has focused on issues related to mental health policy and advocacy. Her role as chair allows her to influence legislation and initiatives aimed at improving mental health services and support systems within New York State. Throughout her tenure, Simon has been involved in various legislative efforts and has worked collaboratively with her colleagues to address the needs of her constituents.

In addition to her work on mental health, Simon has been active in reforming the internal structure of the Brooklyn borough Democratic Party. She played a key role in promoting transparency and accountability within the party by advocating for the opening of semi-annual meetings to the public and reducing the unilateral control previously held by the county leader. These reforms, initiated around 2013, aimed to enhance democratic participation and engagement within the party.

Policy focus and district

Jo Anne Simon represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes diverse neighborhoods in Brooklyn such as Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, and DUMBO. This district is characterized by its vibrant communities and a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. As a legislator, Simon has prioritized issues that resonate with her constituents, particularly in the areas of mental health, disability rights, and community engagement.

Simon's background in disability civil rights has informed her legislative priorities, particularly in advocating for policies that support individuals with disabilities. Her leadership in the Committee on Mental Health underscores her commitment to addressing mental health challenges and improving access to mental health resources for residents of her district and beyond.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Simon has sought to expand her political influence through candidacies for higher office. In October 2020, she announced her candidacy for Brooklyn Borough President, positioning herself as a candidate who could bring a unique perspective to the role. Her campaign was marked by a tribute to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, reflecting Simon's alignment with progressive values. Although she finished second in the race, her candidacy highlighted her continued engagement in public service and her aspirations for leadership within the broader political landscape.

In August 2022, Simon ran for the newly created NY-10 Congressional District in a competitive Democratic primary. Despite her efforts, she was not successful in securing the nomination, losing to Dan Goldman. This election featured a crowded field of candidates, and Simon's participation underscored her ongoing commitment to public service and her desire to represent the interests of her constituents at a higher level.

Throughout her career, Jo Anne Simon has demonstrated a dedication to public service, civil rights, and community advocacy. Her legislative work, combined with her previous experiences in law and local governance, positions her as a prominent figure in New York politics, particularly within the context of Brooklyn's diverse and dynamic communities.