On Apr. 11, 2026, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke launched her campaign for reelection in New York’s 9th Congressional District. The kickoff, held in Central Brooklyn, brought together supporters, community leaders, and residents from across the district.
“We are living through trying times. The very fabric of what our ancestors, our aunties, our grandmothers, and our fathers fought for is at stake. But we are not going to back down,” Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said, “That’s why I am proud to announce my candidacy for reelection to represent New York’s 9th Congressional District. Because the stakes could not be higher, and my determination for this community could not be stronger.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke also spoke about Donald Trump and MAGA extremism in her reelection launch. “Donald Trump and his administration have wreaked havoc on our communities. They’ve created chaos at a time when people are already carrying heavy burdens. Affordability, gas prices, and making ends meet are straining the fabric of our economy.”
The NY-09 Congressional District includes the neighborhoods of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
The primary election is June 23, and early voting is June 13 to 21.
For the full transcript of her speech, see below.
Transcript of Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke’s Campaign Speech
Good afternoon, Brooklyn. How are we feeling today? I’m so grateful to be with you today, right here in the heart of the community that raised me. My parents came here looking for opportunity and built a life in Flatbush, a home I still live in today. Growing up, I learned that if you want change, you have to fight for it.
And here in Brooklyn, we know legacy and community matter. Our history and our future are what keep our neighborhoods strong. From Flatbush to Midwood, it’s our roots and our commitment to protecting families that hold us together. But everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: people are doing everything right, and they’re still falling behind.
Donald Trump and his administration have wreaked havoc on our communities. They’ve created chaos at a time when people are already carrying heavy burdens. Affordability, gas prices, and making ends meet are straining the fabric of our economy.
At the same time, we’ve seen one of the largest wealth transfers in our history. Tax breaks for the wealthy, while cutting healthcare, food assistance, housing, and more. Tariffs driving up everyday costs. We’re seeing fear in our communities. Families targeted, neighbors worried about their safety.
And while people are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas, this President has chosen to engage in an unnecessary war. We’re talking about a war costing over $1 billion a day. At the same time, he’s asking Congress for a $1.5 trillion defense budget, a 42% increase from last year.
And to help pay for it, here’s just some of what he plans to cut: $10.7 billion for housing, $8.5 billion for K-12 programs, $2.5 billion for clean drinking water, and $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health. And again, we’re talking about a President who threatened to obliterate an entire civilization.
We are living through trying times. The very fabric of what our ancestors, our aunties, our grandmothers, and our fathers fought for is at stake. But we are not going to back down.
I haven’t backed down in Congress. I’ve spent my career fighting to expand opportunity and deliver results. And as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are working every single day to protect our communities. We need proven fighters in Congress right now. That’s why I am proud to announce my candidacy for reelection to represent New York’s 9th Congressional District.
Because the stakes could not be higher, and my determination for this community could not be stronger. We have to fight like our lives depend on it. Act like our nation’s future is on the line. Vote like our livelihoods depend on it, because they do.
So Brooklyn, are you with me? Are we ready to fight back? Because our community is counting on us, and the soul of this nation is on the line. Let’s get out there. When we fight, we win.
