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Anathea Simpkins
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Anathea Simpkins (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New York State Assembly to represent District 50. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 25, 2024.
Simpkins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Anathea Simpkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. She earned a bachelor's degree from Emerson College in 1994 and a graduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1998. Her career experience includes working as an education advocate and certified mediator.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2024
General election
General election for New York State Assembly District 50
Incumbent Emily Gallagher won election in the general election for New York State Assembly District 50 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Emily Gallagher (Working Families Party / D) | 98.0 | 36,598 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 2.0 | 749 | ||
| Total votes: 37,347 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 50
Incumbent Emily Gallagher defeated Anathea Simpkins and Andrew Bodiford in the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 50 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Emily Gallagher | 75.0 | 4,652 |
 | Anathea Simpkins | 20.9 | 1,295 | |
 | Andrew Bodiford | 3.7 | 228 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.5 | 28 | ||
| Total votes: 6,203 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Emily Gallagher advanced from the Working Families Party primary for New York State Assembly District 50.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Simpkins in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Anathea Simpkins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Simpkins' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a single, working mother, anti-violence leader, educator, and renter. I’ve called Greenpoint home for 17 years, and am proud to be raising my 12-year-old son here. I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet. For 26 years I’ve dedicated my professional and volunteer work to education as a public school teacher, in education publishing, and most recently in school violence prevention. In 2017, I ran the New York Marathon for and began volunteering with the national nonprofit, Sandy Hook Promise. In 2018, I brought their Start With Hello program to NYC Public School 31 and School District 14. In 2019, I was recruited to work for the organization, most recently as Associate Vice President of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.
I was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1971, to working-class parents. I earned a BFA in creative writing from Emerson College and an MEd in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. More recently, I earned a certificate in leadership from the UC Davis School of Business. I am also a trained mediator and hold a certificate from Phoenix Dispute Resolutions. I've dedicated my life to ensuring kids have a bright future, I want to bring that mom energy to Albany to guarantee that all North Brooklyn residents have a say in deciding our collective future as a community.
- Put the unity back in Community.
- I will represent this community in a way that gives everyone's voice an opportunity to be heard. Together we will fight for better education, housing and environmental conditions.
- No issue is too small or too big for me to tackle. I will build coalitions and put forth legislation that my constituents care about.
Education, youth violence mental health and violence prevention, and gun safety are my greatest passions.
I look up to Barack and Michelle Obama, because they inspired me to go high, when others go low.
The Culture Code: Secrets of Highly Succesful Groups, by Stephen Coyle is a book that could illustrate my philosophy. This book taught me that one of the most important jobs of a leader is to make their team feel safe. This objective can also be analagous to a leader of a community. The job of an Asssembly Member, hyper local as it is, is to make their consituents feel safe: safe that they can get the support they need, safe to disagree with the Assembly Member, emotionally and physically safe, safe from environmental factors that might make them ill, safe that they can keep their home. With this objective constantly at the forefront, an Assembly Member can bring their mission to Albany in a spirit of communication, collaboration, and compromise to work with fellow legislators to ensure that these needs are addressed in a thoughtful, equitable way.
Temperament is always critical. Successful elected officials act respectfully with everyone, actively listen, and respond authentically and calmly whether or not there is agreement. They understand their power, but they are humble in how they wield it. The best elected officials know how to get into the negotiation room and when to compromise; all while maintaining key principles and core values.
I believe that I am an empath and a good listener. These are important qualities to help build relationships and establish trust in order to get things done both within the district and in Albany.
The core responsibilities are to be accessible to their constituents, from within their district and to those statewide who speak on issues. They must also have office locations that are reliably staffed on a daily workweek basis at hours that are consistent and considerate of the constituency. By being accessible, I will learn the issues of importance that I must address. By listening to New Yorkers, my responsibility will be to amend or create new laws to correct problems or create solutions and to have a strong oversight commitment to ensure government agencies are implementing programs according to the law and in the spirit of the legislative policy's intent.
The legacy I would like to leave is successful and safe local schools for our young families. Additionally, I would like to leave improved programming and meeting space for our seniors.
Probably the first historical event that I clearly remember was the murder of John Lennon, which happened when I was 9.
My very first job was at age 13, working as a chamber person at a hotel on Cape Cod. I think I lasted one season before moving on to my second job at Frontier Fruit and Nut in the Cape Cod Mall.
It's hard to choose just one book, but my most recent favorite is Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah. This is an incredible story of resilience that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. I also found it to be very educational. While I am old enough to remember the calls to abolish apartheid, Nelson Mandela's release from prison, and the eventual abolition, it was enlightening to learn about the more intricate nuances related to the struggles post-apartheid.
Lizzie Bennett from Pride and Prejudice--Smart, independent, funny, loyal, excellent at building relationships, and a good listener
"Solid Ground," by Gaby Moreno
Something that has been a struggle in my life is endometriosis, something that took far too long to get diagnosed. For much of my adult life, I struggled with a variety of infections, undiagnosed abdominal pain, horrific cramps, and more. It was only when I was 32 that a doctor came to the conclusion that endometriosis might be the cause of these ailments. Shortly thereafter, I had laparoscopic surgery, which was a very painful and left a lasting emotional and physical effect on me. This taught me to advocate for myself medically, and to coach others to do the same.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be an equal share of power. Unfortunately, in recent years and in many states, including NY, Governors have tried to usurp some of the legislature's power. The Legislature's duty is an important one, it sets policy through legislation and the Executive's role is to implement that policy. Therefore, both branches play critical and equal roles in shaping the state's policies/direction and implementing those policies. This takes a lot of continual and constructive dialogue between both branches of the government, the Legislature and the governor, to get it right. By working together to identify common goals and strategies, while respecting each other's distinct roles, they can address New York's pressing issues more effectively. A positive working relationship ensures a government that is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the people it serves.
I believe that housing affordability, educational quality and equity, and climate change will be among New York's greatest challenges over the next decade.
In terms of housing, rising costs and limited supply have made it increasingly difficult for many New Yorkers to find affordable homes. We need to pursue policies that increase the stock of affordable housing, protect tenants, and provide support for homeownership, while balancing development with community needs.
In terms of primary, secondary and post-secondary education, we must ensure that every child in New York, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. This will require equitable funding, attracting and retaining great teachers, expanding early childhood education, and increasing college access and affordability.
Climate change poses an existential threat that will impact New York in many ways, from rising sea levels that lead to massive flooding to extreme weather that damages property and threatens lives. We need to take bold action to reduce emissions, transition to clean energy, make our infrastructure more resilient, and protect vulnerable communities. Meeting this challenge will also create opportunities to be a leader in the green economy.
I believe that previous experience in government or politics can certainly be beneficial for state legislators, as it provides valuable insight into the policymaking process, stakeholder interests, and the practical realities of implementing legislation. Experienced legislators can hit the ground running and often have the relationships and institutional knowledge to be effective from day one. However, I don't think such experience is the absolute requirement. I believe that the legislature should reflect a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, and that passionate, committed individuals with strong leadership abilities, subject matter expertise, creative ideas, and a willingness to learn can also make excellent legislators, even if they are new to government. Ultimately, I believe the most important qualities are a deep commitment to public service, an ability to listen to and represent one's constituents, sound judgment and temperament, and a collaborative approach focused on solving problems and delivering results.
Yes, I strongly believe that building relationships with other legislators is beneficial and essential to being an effective representative. The legislature is a collaborative body, and having strong working relationships with colleagues across the ideological spectrum is crucial for advancing important priorities. By getting to know other members, understanding their districts' needs and concerns, and finding areas of common ground, we can build the coalitions necessary to pass impactful legislation that improves the lives of New Yorkers. Even when we may disagree on certain issues, maintaining positive, respectful relationships allows for more productive dialogue and creates opportunities for compromise. Some of the most significant legislative achievements have come about through cooperative efforts and a willingness to engage in good faith negotiations. Ultimately, the ability to build bridges and bring people together in service of shared goals is a key part of leadership and vital to making a real difference for our constituents.
Shirley Chisholm was a principled leader who spoke out and worked against economic and social injustices. She was a fierce advocate, and she understood that good politics meant working with other politicians to accomplish progress. That’s exactly what I believe--especially, like the Congresswoman, when it comes to civil rights and women’s rights.
I am focused on this race right now with no thoughts on the future at this time.
I have been spending a lot of time in senior centers across the district. Currently, 25% of seniors in North Brooklyn live below the poverty line. They are struggling. While many might own the building that they worked their entire lives to purchase, now all of their money is wrapped up in their house and the extraordinarily high costs of taxes, insurance, electricity, and maintenance. Many can not afford food the week prior to receiving their monthly social security. The only way that they can make money would be to sell their homes and leave the neighborhood, a place they helped build and where they’ve been their entire lives. These are the homes in which they raised their children, the streets where they have built a community. No one should be forced to leave the place they have called home for decades because they can’t afford the cost of living or because gentrifying has driven them out. I have seen and felt their desperation. Additionally, the struggles of our seniors stretch to our senior centers, the places where people can gather, interact, engage in the arts, or continue to learn. Science informs us that community relationships make people healthier. That's good for all parts of our community. We need to support all efforts that improve and increase opportunities for our seniors to gather. Since I have started spending time in the centers, I have heard stories of elevators not working; elevators in NYCHA housing breaking down and seniors being stuck inside for almost an hour; centers not having enough money to replace decades old vans with broken lifts; centers not having air conditioning or heat; centers struggling to buy a new exorbitantly-priced kitchen appliances to ensure that they're up to code; or centers not having working kitchens for over a year. These stories of struggle and neglect are criminal. They are what keep me fighting to win this election. When elected I will use my power to make government at all levels work for its people.
A priest, a politician and a clown walk into the bar. The bartender says, “What is this, some kind of joke?”
The use of emergency powers should be extremely rare and for very short periods of time. And, the legislature must have oversight over all emergency powers. There are extraordinary times when a Governor needs to respond quickly, but the legislature must have the ability to act if it is determined that the emergency powers are being abused. This can never be a limitless act, and it is only in the rarest of time that emergency powers should be used.
The first bill I would introduce is a comprehensive youth violence prevention bill modeled after the Ohio Comprehensive School Safety Framework. In addition to measures included in the New York Anti-Violence Bill recent passed, this legislation would take it a step further to fund suicide prevention programs, K-12-specific anonymous reporting systems with 24/7/365 crisis center support, student-led violence prevention clubs, funding for a higher student:social worker ration in all K-12 schools, and training on how to be a trusted adulted. These programs, integrated with common sense gun law, can work together to stop gun, and other forms of, violence before it starts.
Former Assembly Member Joseph Lentol, Assembly Candidate Gabi Madden, United Fire Officers Association Local 854, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, DC9 IUPAT Painters and Allied Trades, 100% Planned Parenthood rating
Education, Mental Health, Small Business, Housing and Ways and Means
These are all critical issues facing our state where I believe I could make a meaningful impact. On Education, I want to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. Regarding Mental Health, we must address the growing crisis, expand access to care, and support those struggling. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I want to support policies that help them thrive. Housing is an essential need where rising costs have created significant challenges for many New Yorkers. Finally, by being a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I would be able to direct the state’s financial resources to those areas most in need of funding. I would welcome the opportunity to work on legislation and oversight in these key areas to deliver real results for my constituents and move our state forward.
These are all critical issues facing our state where I believe I could make a meaningful impact. On Education, I want to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. Regarding Mental Health, we must address the growing crisis, expand access to care, and support those struggling. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I want to support policies that help them thrive. Housing is an essential need where rising costs have created significant challenges for many New Yorkers. Finally, by being a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I would be able to direct the state’s financial resources to those areas most in need of funding. I would welcome the opportunity to work on legislation and oversight in these key areas to deliver real results for my constituents and move our state forward.
I believe in open government. That means the budget process on allocating funds must be public--open to review and influence by the public. It also means that funded government programs must be subject to rigorous oversight and to public audits. Shining the light on the government's budgeting and accounting processes reduces corruption.
The current process where the legislature can bring ballots forward must remain.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 6, 2024
Current members of the New York State Assembly
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Carl Heastie
Representatives
District 1
Thomas Schiavoni (D)
District 2
Jodi Giglio (R)
District 3
Joseph DeStefano (R)
District 4
Rebecca Kassay (D)
District 5
Doug Smith (R)
District 6
Philip Ramos (D)
District 7
Jarett Gandolfo (R)
District 8
District 9
Michael Durso (R)
District 10
Steve Stern (D)
District 11
Kwani O'Pharrow (D)
District 12
Keith Brown (R)
District 13
Charles Lavine (D)
District 14
David McDonough (R)
District 15
Jake Blumencranz (R)
District 16
Daniel Norber (R)
District 17
John Mikulin (R)
District 18
Noah Burroughs (D)
District 19
Edward Ra (R)
District 20
Eric Brown (R)
District 21
Judy Griffin (D)
District 22
District 23
Stacey Amato (D)
District 24
David Weprin (D)
District 25
Nily Rozic (D)
District 26
District 27
Sam Berger (D)
District 28
Andrew Hevesi (D)
District 29
Alicia Hyndman (D)
District 30
Steven Raga (D)
District 31
Khaleel Anderson (D)
District 32
Vivian Cook (D)
District 33
Clyde Vanel (D)
District 34
District 35
Larinda Hooks (D)
District 36
Zohran Mamdani (D)
District 37
Claire Valdez (D)
District 38
Jenifer Rajkumar (D)
District 39
Catalina Cruz (D)
District 40
Ron Kim (D)
District 41
Kalman Yeger (D)
District 42
District 43
Brian Cunningham (D)
District 44
Robert Carroll (D)
District 45
Michael Novakhov (R)
District 46
District 47
William Colton (D)
District 48
District 49
Lester Chang (R)
District 50
Emily Gallagher (D)
District 51
Marcela Mitaynes (D)
District 52
Jo Simon (D)
District 53
Maritza Davila (D)
District 54
Erik Dilan (D)
District 55
Latrice Walker (D)
District 56
Stefani Zinerman (D)
District 57
District 58
District 59
Jaime Williams (D)
District 60
Nikki Lucas (D)
District 61
Charles Fall (D)
District 62
Michael Reilly (R)
District 63
Samuel Pirozzolo (R)
District 64
District 65
Grace Lee (D)
District 66
Deborah Glick (D)
District 67
Linda Rosenthal (D)
District 68
Eddie Gibbs (D)
District 69
Micah Lasher (D)
District 70
Jordan Wright (D)
District 71
Alfred Taylor (D)
District 72
District 73
Alex Bores (D)
District 74
Harvey Epstein (D)
District 75
Tony Simone (D)
District 76
District 77
Landon Dais (D)
District 78
George Alvarez (D)
District 79
Chantel Jackson (D)
District 80
John Zaccaro (D)
District 81
Jeffrey Dinowitz (D)
District 82
District 83
Carl Heastie (D)
District 84
Amanda Septimo (D)
District 85
Emerita Torres (D)
District 86
Yudelka Tapia (D)
District 87
Karines Reyes (D)
District 88
Amy Paulin (D)
District 89
J. Pretlow (D)
District 90
Nader Sayegh (D)
District 91
Steven Otis (D)
District 92
Maryjane Shimsky (D)
District 93
Chris Burdick (D)
District 94
Matthew Slater (R)
District 95
Dana Levenberg (D)
District 96
Patrick Carroll (D)
District 97
Aron Wieder (D)
District 98
Karl Brabenec (R)
District 99
District 100
Paula Kay (D)
District 101
Brian Maher (R)
District 102
District 103
District 104
District 105
Anil Beephan (R)
District 106
Didi Barrett (D)
District 107
Scott Bendett (R)
District 108
John McDonald (D)
District 109
Gabriella Romero (D)
District 110
Phil Steck (D)
District 111
District 112
Mary Walsh (R)
District 113
Carrie Woerner (D)
District 114
Matthew Simpson (R)
District 115
Vacant
District 116
Scott Gray (R)
District 117
District 118
Robert Smullen (R)
District 119
District 120
William Barclay (R)
District 121
Joe Angelino (R)
District 122
Brian Miller (R)
District 123
Donna Lupardo (D)
District 124
District 125
Anna Kelles (D)
District 126
John Lemondes (R)
District 127
Al Stirpe (D)
District 128
Pamela Hunter (D)
District 129
District 130
Brian Manktelow (R)
District 131
Jeff Gallahan (R)
District 132
Philip Palmesano (R)
District 133
Andrea Bailey (R)
District 134
Josh Jensen (R)
District 135
District 136
Sarah Clark (D)
District 137
Demond Meeks (D)
District 138
Harry Bronson (D)
District 139
Stephen Hawley (R)
District 140
William Conrad (D)
District 141
District 142
Patrick Burke (D)
District 143
District 144
Paul Bologna (R)
District 145
Angelo Morinello (R)
District 146
Karen McMahon (D)
District 147
David DiPietro (R)
District 148
Joe Sempolinski (R)
District 149
Jonathan Rivera (D)
District 150
Andrew Molitor (R)
Democratic Party (102)
Republican Party (47)
Vacancies (1)
