Monique Chandler-Waterman

Monique Chandler-Waterman is an American community organizer and politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 58th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she assumed office in May 2022 after winning a special election to fill the vacancy left by N. Nick Perry, who was appointed as the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica. Chandler-Waterman has a background in community outreach and nonprofit leadership, and she has been actively involved in local politics and public service.

Early life and career

Monique Chandler-Waterman was born on January 14, 1981, in New York City. She is the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and Barbados, which has influenced her perspective and commitment to community service. Chandler-Waterman attended local schools, including PS 135 and Boys and Girls High School, where she began to develop her interests in education and community engagement.

After completing her secondary education, she pursued higher education and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Berkeley College. She furthered her studies by obtaining a master's degree in business administration from Metropolitan College of New York. This educational background provided her with a strong foundation in organizational management and community development, which she later applied in her professional endeavors.

Chandler-Waterman's career began in community outreach, where she worked as a director for Jumaane Williams, a prominent figure in New York City politics. In 2008, she founded East Flatbush Village, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development and community empowerment. Through this organization, she aimed to address various social issues affecting young people in her community, providing them with resources and support to succeed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandler-Waterman played a significant role as the director of ground support for New York City’s Test and Trace Corps. In this capacity, she was involved in efforts to manage the public health crisis, ensuring that communities received the necessary support and information regarding testing and tracing efforts.

Legislative service

Chandler-Waterman's political career includes notable attempts to secure a position in the New York City Council. In 2019, she ran for the 45th district seat following the resignation of Jumaane Williams, who had moved on to serve as the New York City Public Advocate. In the special general election held on May 14, 2019, she received endorsements from prominent figures, including Williams himself. Despite her efforts, she placed second in the election, garnering approximately 29.3% of the vote, behind Farah Louis. She subsequently participated in the regular Democratic primary election on June 25, where she again placed second with around 43% of the vote.

Chandler-Waterman's persistence in public service ultimately led her to the New York State Assembly. Following the resignation of State Assemblymember N. Nick Perry, she was nominated by the Brooklyn Democratic Party County Committee to fill the vacancy in the 58th district. She successfully won the special election on May 24, 2022, with a significant majority of approximately 79.8% of the vote, defeating Hercules Reid and Monique Allen-Davy, who ran on the Republican and Conservative Party lines, respectively.

After her initial election, Chandler-Waterman continued her political journey by winning the primary election for a full term on June 28, 2022, again defeating Reid, this time with approximately 65.3% of the vote. Her election to the State Assembly marked a significant milestone in her political career, allowing her to engage more directly in legislative processes and community advocacy.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Chandler-Waterman has focused on various policy issues that reflect her commitment to her constituents and the broader community. One of her notable legislative efforts includes authoring a bill that mandates two-person crews on MTA subway trains. This legislation aims to enhance safety and operational standards within the transit system. However, the proposal has faced criticism from some quarters, with opponents arguing that two-person crews may be unnecessary and costly, especially as many major train lines worldwide have transitioned to one-person crews or have adopted full automation.

Chandler-Waterman represents the 58th district, which encompasses parts of Brooklyn. The district is characterized by its diverse population and vibrant community life. As a legislator, she is tasked with addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents, which include issues related to education, public safety, housing, and economic development. Her background in community organizing and outreach informs her approach to these challenges, as she seeks to engage with residents and advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity.

In addition to her legislative work, Chandler-Waterman remains active in her community, leveraging her experience and connections to support local initiatives and programs. Her commitment to public service is evident in her ongoing efforts to empower young people and foster community resilience, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chandler-Waterman is married to Eric Waterman, and together they have four children. Her family life and experiences as a parent further shape her perspective on the issues affecting families and children in her district. As she continues her legislative service, she remains focused on creating positive change and addressing the needs of her constituents in the New York State Assembly.