Lawman Lynch
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Lawman Lynch (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New York City Council to represent District 41. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025.
Lynch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Lawman Lynch earned a bachelor's degree from CELA International University in 2016 and a graduate degree from St. Thomas University in 2022. His career experience includes working as a program manager, as president of the Lawman Lynch Foundation, and as the co-founder of Cariglo.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in New York, New York (2025)
General election
General election for New York City Council District 41
Incumbent Darlene Mealy and Yehuda Shaffer are running in the general election for New York City Council District 41 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Darlene Mealy (D) | |
 | Yehuda Shaffer (United Alliance Party)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 41
The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Darlene Mealy in round 8 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
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Total votes: 16,274 |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Endorsements
Lynch received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
- New York City Council member Chi Osse (D)
- Former Councilmember Una Clarke
- Voters for Animal Rights
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lawman Lynch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lynch's 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 Jamaican-born educator, youth advocate, and community leader who has proudly called Brooklyn home since 2010. My lived experience as an immigrant, my work in education, and my deep ties to the neighborhoods of District 41 have shaped my understanding of what our communities need—not just to survive, but to thrive. For over a decade, I’ve worked to support families, mentor young people, and organize with local leaders to bring meaningful resources and services directly to the people.
As a program director in youth development, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to invest early in education, mental health, and family support. I’ve led afterschool programming, partnered with schools and nonprofits, and created safe spaces for youth to grow, learn, and lead. I’ve also organized community resource fairs, health fairs, housing workshops, and job readiness events—because I believe leadership is about meeting people where they are.
I’m running for City Council because District 41 deserves bold, honest leadership that doesn’t just show up at election time. My campaign is rooted in the values of P.E.O.P.L.E.—Public Safety, Education, Optimization, Public Health, Love, and Entrepreneurship—and guided by a simple principle: when you put people at the center, policy becomes personal, and progress becomes possible.- People at the Center – My campaign is rooted in putting people—not politics—at the center of every decision, through the P.E.O.P.L.E. platform: Public Safety, Education, Optimization, Public Health, Love, and Entrepreneurship.
- Real Experience, Real Connection – As an educator and longtime community advocate, I’ve worked directly with youth, families, and local institutions to deliver services and uplift lives—not just during campaigns, but every day.
- A New Kind of Leadership – I represent a new generation of leadership grounded in compassion, accountability, and bold ideas. I’m running to replace performative politics with authentic, community-driven representation.
I’m passionate about public policy that centers equity, opportunity, and dignity—especially in education, housing, and public health. As an educator, I’ve seen the power of quality education and advocate for fully funded schools and wraparound support. I support policies that protect tenants, expand affordable housing, and prevent displacement. I’m also committed to improving access to mental health care and community-based health services. I believe policy should be rooted in justice, informed by community voices, and guided by love and inclusion.
The City Council plays a unique role as the most direct connection between the people and the government. It’s where policy meets lived experience. Council Members have the power to pass local laws, shape the city budget, and hold agencies accountable—but just as importantly, they’re responsible for being visible, accessible advocates for their districts. What makes this office so vital is its proximity to the people. It’s one of the few roles in government where elected officials are expected to be present in neighborhoods, responsive to community needs, and active in solving everyday challenges.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, empathy, and consistency. Leaders should listen as much as they speak, stand firm in their values, and be present in the communities they serve—not just during election cycles. An elected official must be transparent in decision-making, grounded in the needs of the people, and willing to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality. Ultimately, leadership is about service—not ego—and building trust by showing up, following through, and doing the work with humility.
I lead with empathy, consistency, and a deep commitment to service. I’ve spent years working directly with youth, families, and community organizations, so I understand how to listen, collaborate, and act with purpose. I bring a calm, solution-oriented presence to the table—even when the issues are complex or tense. I’m not in this for status or spotlight; I’m in it to make systems work better for everyday people. My ability to connect with residents, build trust, and follow through on my commitments is what will make me an effective and accountable officeholder.
The core responsibilities of a City Council Member are to legislate with integrity, advocate for the needs of their district, and ensure that public resources are equitably distributed. That means not only passing laws that improve people’s lives, but also being an accessible, responsive presence in the community. It’s about constituent services, budget oversight, and holding city agencies accountable—while making sure everyday New Yorkers have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Furthermore, an elected official should be a true reflection of the people—not someone placed on a pedestal, but someone held accountable and in constant service to the wants and needs of the community. Leadership is not about status—it’s about service.
I want my legacy to be one of service, integrity, and real impact. I want people to say I showed up—not just in words, but in action. That I listened, that I led with love, and that I made government feel closer and more human. I want to leave behind stronger schools, safer communities, more opportunity for young people, and a culture of civic pride and participation. Most of all, I want to be remembered as someone who put people at the center—who used the platform not for power, but to uplift and build alongside the community.
One of the first major historical events I remember is the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990. I was a child living in Jamaica at the time, but I still remember the impact it had on my family and community. It was more than just international news—it was a moment of hope, especially for people across the African diaspora. It showed me early on how powerful leadership, resilience, and justice can inspire change worldwide. That moment sparked my awareness of global struggles for freedom and human rights, and it continues to shape my values today.
Program Regional Trainer at Citizenship Education for 3 years.
One lesser-known but incredibly impactful power of a City Council Member is their influence over land use and zoning decisions through a process called “member deference.” This gives Council Members significant sway over what gets built in their districts, from affordable housing to commercial developments. Council Members also allocate discretionary and capital funding to local organizations, schools, and parks—decisions that can directly shape the quality of life in a neighborhood. Beyond legislation, they serve as liaisons between city agencies and constituents, helping residents navigate housing, education, and public safety systems. These powers are often overlooked, but they carry real, tangible consequences for everyday people.
While experience in government can be helpful, it’s not the only—or even the most important—qualification for public office. What truly matters is a demonstrated commitment to serving people, understanding community needs, and having the courage to lead with integrity. Too often, politics becomes a closed loop of insiders, disconnected from everyday realities. Leaders with real-world experience—whether in education, advocacy, or organizing—bring fresh perspectives and deep community ties. I believe elected officials should reflect the people they serve, and that lived experience can be just as valuable as political experience when it comes to governing with compassion and effectiveness.
Empathy is one of the most important qualities a Council Member can have. To serve effectively, you must be able to listen deeply, understand people’s struggles, and respond with compassion and action. Alongside empathy, strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across diverse communities are essential. Council Members should also be strategic thinkers—capable of navigating budgets, legislation, and city agencies—while staying grounded in the lived experiences of those they represent. Ultimately, the best leaders lead with heart, humility, and a commitment to putting people first.
The City Council is one of the most direct and responsive branches of local government. Council Members are uniquely positioned to influence legislation, approve the city budget, and shape land use decisions that directly affect neighborhoods. But what makes this office truly special is its closeness to the people—it’s a role that requires being on the ground, engaging with constituents, and advocating for community needs in real time. Council Members have the ability to turn everyday concerns into policy solutions, making this office both powerful and deeply personal in its impact.
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly, and the public deserves to know where their money is going, how it’s being used, and who benefits. Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors, and communities are left in the dark. I believe in open budgeting, participatory processes, and regular public reporting to build trust. Elected officials should be held to the highest standard—because when the people are footing the bill, they deserve honesty, clarity, and real outcomes.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate New York City Council District 41 |
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 1, 2025
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