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Brooklyn’s Civil Court races enter a pivotal stage as petitioning closes, with Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas backing a slate of candidates heading into ballot certification.
Brooklyn’s upcoming judicial elections are moving into a decisive new phase following the close of petitioning for the 2026 New York City Primary Elections. With signature collection now complete across the city, attention is shifting toward ballot certification, where officials will confirm which candidates officially qualify to run.
In Brooklyn, the process has already generated momentum for a group of candidates endorsed by Assemblywoman, Nikki Lucas. Her slate, supported by a grassroots effort, according to an official press release, collected nearly 6,000 signatures throughout the borough—demonstrating early organizational strength as the race takes shape.
Lucas, who also serves as Female District Leader in Brooklyn’s 60th Assembly District, worked alongside Male District Leader Michael Rosendary to mobilize voters during the petitioning period. Their effort reflects a broader push to build early support ahead of what is expected to be a competitive primary season.
“Our team worked hard to engage the community and ensure strong, qualified candidates are positioned to serve,” said Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas. “I’m proud to endorse each of these candidates and appreciate the support we received from residents across Brooklyn.”
Rosendary emphasized the collaboration behind the effort and the shared goals of the slate.
“We’re grateful to Assemblywoman Lucas for her leadership and proud of the work our team put in during petitioning,” said Rosendary. “This endorsement reflects a shared commitment to experience, fairness, and service on the bench.”
The endorsed group includes one district-level race and four borough-wide contests for Kings County Civil Court, highlighting a mix of seasoned legal professionals rooted in Brooklyn’s court system.
For the 4th Municipal District, Anthony W. Vaughn Jr. brings more than two decades of legal experience, including leadership as Immediate Past President of the Brooklyn Bar Association.
“I’m deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas for her endorsement and support,” Vaughn said. “I look forward to continuing this campaign focused on fairness and delivering justice for the people of Brooklyn.”
Among the borough-wide candidates, Danielle A. Noel is campaigning on her experience within the court system and a focus on equitable outcomes.
“I sincerely thank Assemblywoman Lucas for her endorsement and confidence in my candidacy,” Noel said. “This support means a great deal as we work to ensure the courts serve everyone equally.”
Celeste E. Felix, who currently works in Kings County Supreme Court handling complex civil matters, also joins the slate.
“I’m thankful to Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas for her endorsement and leadership,” Felix said. “I’m committed to bringing experience and thoughtful decision-making to the court.”
Another borough-wide candidate, Christine G. Ortiz, has built her career supporting civil trials and judicial decisions within New York’s court system.
“I appreciate Assemblywoman Lucas’ endorsement and the trust she has placed in me to serve the people of Brooklyn,” Ortiz said. “With over a decade of service in the Kings County courts, I am ready to bring my experience and a lifelong commitment to public service to the Civil Court bench.”
Rounding out the slate is Linda Lo Cascio, whose career spans more than 27 years in both private practice and the court system.
“I’m honored and grateful to receive Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas’ endorsement,” Lo Cascio said. “I look forward to serving Brooklyn with integrity and experience.”
With petitioning complete, the immediate focus turns to certification by the Board of Elections, which will determine the final ballot lineup. Candidates who face no opposition will automatically secure the Democratic nomination for the November general election, while contested races will move forward to the primary.
Primary Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with early voting set to begin on June 13 and run through June 21.
As Brooklyn enters this next stage, Lucas’ endorsed candidates head into the race with early voter engagement, coordinated support, and a campaign message centered on experience, fairness, and public service—key themes likely to shape the borough’s judicial contests in the months ahead.