As New Yorkers prepare for an intensely watched mayoral race, Judge Claudia DePeyster is urging Brooklyn voters to pay attention to another significant part of the ballot: local judge elections.
Early Voting Opens Citywide on October 25
Running for Kings County Supreme Court, DePeyster emphasized that these judicial races have meaningful consequences for families, neighborhoods, and the broader legal system.
“While the spotlight is on the mayoral election — and that’s important — we must also realize that judges you elect preside over vital decisions impacting your families, children, public safety, and housing,” stated Judge DePeyster. “With today’s challenging environment, local court races take on greater urgency.”
Raised in Brooklyn, Rooted in Justice
Born and raised in Brooklyn by Guyanese parents, Judge DePeyster attended Midwood High School and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.
Her career in law encompasses more than 20 years, beginning as a solo lawyer before holding several roles at the NYPD, where she advanced to Assistant Deputy Commissioner.
In 2015, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed DePeyster to the bench. She’s worked in Kings County Criminal Court and, as of 2022, as an Acting Supreme Court Justice, overseeing felony cases, including those related to firearms, in Brooklyn’s Supreme Court.
Appointed by Mayor de Blasio in 2015, DePeyster has served in the Kings County Criminal Court and, from 2022 on, as Acting Supreme Court Justice, currently hearing felony and gun charges.
Commitment to Youth and Community
Outside her judicial role, DePeyster is celebrated for her work supporting Brooklyn’s youth, regularly speaking at high schools about legal careers, leading courthouse tours, and mentoring students in various community outreach programs.
“Be it a student’s future, a renter’s housing rights, a victim’s pursuit of justice, or families in legal distress, judges—chosen by the people—hear these cases,” she said. “Voters choose who serves on the bench.”
She also sits on the boards of the Judicial Friends Association and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, is active with St. Paul Community Baptist Church, and is a dedicated Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member.
Key Election Dates
Early voting will run from October 25 to November 2, with Election Day falling on November 4. For polling site information, visit Vote.NYC.
