Shekera Algarin
Elections and appointments
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Contact
Shekera Algarin (Democratic Party) is running in a special election for the Countywide District judge of the New York City Civil Court Bronx County. She is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025. She advanced from the special Democratic primary on June 24, 2025.
Algarin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Shekera Algarin was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She earned a high school diploma from Plymouth-Canton High School, a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 1994, a graduate degree from the California State University, Fresno in 1996, and a law degree from the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1999. Her career experience includes working as an attorney at law and professor. As of 2025, Algarin was affiliated with the Bronx County Bar Association, the Bronx Women's Bar Association, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Association of Black Women Attorneys, Community Board 4, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts [1]
Elections
2025
See also: Municipal elections in Bronx County, New York (2025)
General election
Democratic primary election
Endorsements
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2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Shekera Algarin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Algarin'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’m Shekera Anessa Algarin, the Democratic nominee for Bronx Civil Court Judge. With nearly 25 years of legal experience in criminal, family, and civil law, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing justice and serving the people of the Bronx. I have served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and I currently oversee complex family court matters as a public servant.
In addition to my legal work, I am an Adjunct Law Professor and regularly train judges on domestic violence and trauma-informed care—equipping them with the tools to handle sensitive cases with compassion, understanding, and accountability.
My commitment to the Bronx extends beyond the courtroom. I serve as First Vice Chair of Bronx Community Board 4 and sit on the board of the Lehman College Performing Arts Center. I actively mentor youth, support families, and invest my time in building a stronger, more just Bronx.
I’m running to bring fairness, integrity, and true community representation to the bench—because the Bronx deserves a judge who understands its people and is committed to justice for all. - Justice That Reflects Our Community
I’m running to ensure the Bronx has a judge who understands its people. My lived experience, combined with decades of public service, means I bring empathy, cultural awareness, and real-world perspective to every decision. I believe every person should be seen, heard, and understood in the courtroom.
- Service to the Bronx
I am deeply committed to the Bronx community through a variety of leadership and service roles. I serve as First Vice Chair of Bronx Community Board 4 and as a board member of the Lehman College Performing Arts Center. I actively mentor youth and support families across the borough, helping to strengthen local programs and opportunities. Additionally, I am an Adjunct Law Professor, dedicated to educating the next generation of legal professionals, and I train judges on domestic violence and trauma-informed care to promote compassionate and informed justice.
- Deep Community Commitment
I’m more than a judicial candidate—I’m a Bronx resident actively involved in mentoring youth, supporting families, and serving on local boards to strengthen our neighborhoods every day.
Access to Justice and Fairness in the Courts
Ensuring that everyone receives fair treatment and equal protection under the law, no matter their background.
Domestic Violence and Trauma-Informed Judicial Practices
Promoting policies that support survivors and train judges to handle sensitive cases with compassion and understanding.
Family and Child Welfare
Advocating for policies that protect families, prioritize the well-being of children, and support healthy family dynamics within the justice system.
Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment
Encouraging programs that strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and create mentorship and opportunities for young people. I look up to my mother, who showed me the meaning of resilience, compassion, and strength. She led by example—balancing hard work with deep care for others—and her guidance shaped the foundation of who I am today. I also draw inspiration from remarkable female leaders like Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor. These women broke barriers, uplifted their communities, and led with courage and conviction. Their journeys remind me that leadership is about service, integrity, and the responsibility to open doors for others.
Hidden Figures (2016)
This inspiring film tells the story of the Black women mathematicians who played a crucial role at NASA during the space race. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to recognize everyone’s contributions and to make sure all voices and talents are valued in building a stronger, more inclusive community.
I believe it’s important for an elected official to lead with fairness, integrity, and competence, while showing strong leadership. These qualities help build trust, guide thoughtful decisions, and ensure our community is well served.
I believe the qualities I bring to the bench—experience, fairness, empathy, and integrity—will make me a successful judge. Throughout my career, I’ve represented thousands of clients and handled a high volume of cases, which has given me a strong understanding of how the legal system affects people in very real ways. I approach each case with patience and a deep sense of responsibility, always striving to make thoughtful, balanced decisions. I’ve also taken on leadership roles in the community, which helps me stay connected to the needs and concerns of the people I serve. My commitment is to ensure that everyone who comes before the court is treated with dignity, and that justice is delivered with both care and consistency.
A judge has an important responsibility to treat everyone with fairness, respect, and compassion. They should listen carefully, apply the law with care, and make sure that everyone feels seen, heard and understood. A calm presence, clear judgment, and a strong sense of integrity help create a courtroom where people feel safe and respected. It’s also important for a judge to keep learning and growing, so they can continue serving the community with thoughtfulness and care. At the heart of it, a judge should work to ensure that justice is fair, accessible, and grounded in respect for every individual.
I hope my legacy is one of service, fairness, and genuine care for people. I want to be remembered as someone who treated everyone with respect, listened with an open heart, and made thoughtful, balanced decisions. My goal has always been to use my experience to help others and to make the legal system feel more accessible and just for everyone. If I can leave behind a sense that I made a positive difference in people’s lives and helped build trust in the courts, then I will feel that I’ve truly done my part.
My first job was at Chuck E. Cheese, and it taught me a lot more than I expected. Whether I was working the games, helping families celebrate birthdays, or—yes—wearing the Chuck E. costume, I learned the value of hard work, patience, and showing up with a positive attitude. It was a fast-paced environment that required teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Looking back, that experience helped shape my strong work ethic and commitment to serving others—skills that have stayed with me throughout my legal career.
There are too many to name.
"I Will Bless the Lord" by Byron Cage
One of the ongoing struggles in my life has been coming to terms with the fact that I can’t solve all the world’s problems, no matter how deeply I care or how hard I work. I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to help others and make things better, especially for those who are overlooked or underserved. But over time, I’ve learned that meaningful change often happens one person, one case, or one moment at a time. While I may not be able to fix everything, I find purpose in doing what I can, with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice.
One responsibility that many people may not realize is that Civil Court judges in New York often handle a wide range of cases—not just small claims or landlord-tenant matters. Judges can be assigned to family court, criminal court, or even Supreme Court cases, depending on the needs of the court system. That’s why it’s so important to elect an experienced and versatile judge—someone who not only understands the law across different areas, but who is also a proven leader in the community. The person in this role should have invested their time and talents in service and leadership outside the courthouse, showing a true commitment to the people they seek to serve.
My legal philosophy is rooted in fairness, integrity, and a deep respect for the law and the people it serves. I believe that every person who comes before the court deserves to be seen, heard and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. The law should be applied thoughtfully and impartially, with careful attention to both the facts and the impact of each decision. I also believe that empathy and accountability go hand in hand in ensuring that justice is not only done but felt. At its best, the legal system should protect rights, promote equity, and help build trust within the community.
I admire Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson for her brilliance, grace, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, she brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience, exceptional legal skill, and a deep respect for the Constitution. Her presence on the bench is a reminder that representation matters, and that our justice system is strongest when it reflects the diversity and dignity of the people it serves.
I believe empathy is an important quality for a judge. While a judge must remain fair and impartial, having empathy helps ensure that people feel seen, heard, and understood in the courtroom. It allows a judge to recognize the human impact of legal decisions and to approach each case with compassion and care, without compromising justice. Empathy helps create a courtroom where dignity and fairness go hand in hand.
New York City Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee - Approved (2025)
I’m running to be a judge in Bronx County because I believe deeply in justice that is fair, accessible, and rooted in community. With nearly 25 years of experience as a courtroom attorney—handling thousands of cases—I’ve seen firsthand the impact the court can have on people’s lives. I’m committed to bringing integrity, empathy, and legal expertise to the bench to ensure that everyone who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity and respect. As someone who has spent my career in public service, I hope to continue giving back by contributing to a court system that is fair, thoughtful, and centered on the needs of the people it serves.
Having experience in government or public service can be beneficial for a judge because it provides a deeper understanding of how laws and policies affect real people and communities. It also reflects a commitment to serving the public and navigating complex systems with accountability and care. When combined with strong legal experience and leadership in the community, this background can help a judge make decisions that are not only legally sound but grounded in empathy, fairness, and a true understanding of the challenges people face. Ultimately, a judge should bring both legal insight and a demonstrated dedication to the well-being of the community they serve.
As a candidate for judge, I’m mindful that one of the concerns many people have about the legal system in New York is the time it can take for cases to move through the courts. Delays and backlogs can create real stress—especially for families, tenants, or individuals facing urgent legal issues. I believe our courts should work efficiently and respectfully, so that people aren’t left waiting for justice. That means supporting court staff, using technology wisely, and approaching each case with a sense of urgency and care. Everyone deserves a timely and fair resolution to their case
New York has a real opportunity to strengthen its legal system by expanding access to legal representation and supporting the work of public defenders. While progress has been made, many people across the state still face serious legal challenges, such as immigration issues or family court matters, without the help of an attorney. At the same time, public defenders are often stretched thin with heavy caseloads and limited resources. By investing in legal services and community-based alternatives like mental health or restorative justice programs, the state can help ensure that everyone has a fair chance in court, no matter their background or circumstances.
At this time, my focus is on serving the people of the Bronx as a fair, compassionate, and dedicated Civil Court judge. I believe every level of the judiciary plays a vital role in ensuring justice, and I am fully committed to doing that work with integrity and care. If, in the future, there is an opportunity to continue that service at a higher level, I would be honored to consider it, specially if it allows me to continue uplifting communities, advancing fairness, and upholding the law with the same dedication that has guided my entire career.
I believe the New York City Bar Association’s decision to rate me as “Approved” is a valid and meaningful endorsement. It reflects an evaluation by fellow legal professionals who understand the responsibilities and qualities required of a good judge—fairness, integrity, legal knowledge, and judicial temperament. Being recognized by my peers in this way affirms my commitment to upholding the law with thoughtfulness, compassion, and respect for the community.
Congressman Ritchie Torres, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Council Member and Majority Leader Amanda Farias, Assembly Member Landon Dais, Assembly Member Amada Septimo, Assembly Member Chantal Jackson, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly Member Michael Benedetto, Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Council Member Kevin Riley, Council Member Oswald Feliz, Council Member Althea Stevens / Estella B. Diggs Democratic Club, Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Reverend Jerome A. Greene Democratic Club, Eleanor's Legacy, Liberty Democratic Club.
I believe transparency and accountability are key to building trust between government and the community. People should feel confident that public resources are being handled responsibly and that decisions are made with honesty and care. When government is open about how things are done, it helps create a sense of fairness and strengthens our institutions. At the heart of it, it's about making sure the community is being served thoughtfully and with respect.
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 9, 2025
