Councilwoman Darlene Mealy. (Photo: NYC Council)
Councilwoman Darlene Mealy, re-elected to her Brooklyn district just last year, is now mulling a run for Assemblyman William Boyland's seat, two sources with knowledge of the race told Politicker.
Mr. Boyland is currently on trial for corruption charges and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. The Brownsville lawmaker has been indicted three times in total but won re-election two years ago while under indictment. If convicted, he would automatically forfeit his seat.
"I think it's something she would consider but it would depend on the outcome of the trial," said one source with knowledge of the race, stressing that Ms. Mealy would be much more willing to seek the seat if it were open.
It's not immediately clear why Ms. Mealy, a co-chair of the Brooklyn delegation and the chairwoman of a committee, would want to give up her council seat for a lower-paying gig in the Assembly. One explanation, the source offered, is that Ms. Mealy is in her third and final term and she could serve without term limits in the Assembly.
In her 2005 and 2009 races for City Council, Ms. Mealy defeated members of the Boyland family. Complicating the electoral picture are the three candidates already eying Mr. Boyland's seat, including a staffer for Ms. Mealy.
A spokesperson for Ms. Mealy declined to comment. Mr. Boyland could not be reached for comment.