As the dust settles on petitioning for the 2026 New York City Primary Elections, Brooklyn finds itself at a turning point in its judicial races. Signature collection wrapped up citywide, so now the real suspense is around which candidates will pass the Board of Elections’ test and officially make it onto the ballot.
All eyes are on a set of candidates backed by Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas. According to an official press release, her team hustled to collect nearly 6,000 signatures—a show of early strength and community support.
Lucas, who also holds the role of Female District Leader in the 60th Assembly District, teamed up with Male District Leader Michael Rosendary to drum up support and increase voter engagement during the intense petitioning weeks. Their combined effort signals a deliberate move to bolster their slate before what’s expected to be a lively primary.
“It took a lot of work to organize and reach out, but we’re proud of the slate we’ve built,” Lucas said. “I’m honored to endorse each of our candidates, and I truly value the enthusiasm we’re seeing from Brooklyn residents.”
Rosendary shared this sentiment, highlighting the team’s unity. “Assemblywoman Lucas led the way, and everyone stepped up during petitioning. Our endorsements point to our shared commitment to justice and service.”
Who’s On The Lucas Slate?
The team Lucas is championing includes one district-level candidate and four aiming for county-wide positions in Kings County Civil Court—all seasoned legal pros familiar with Brooklyn’s courts.
Representing the 4th Municipal District, Anthony W. Vaughn Jr. brings over 20 years in law and recently served as President of the Brooklyn Bar Association.
Anthony Vaughn at Weeksville in Crown Heights – photo by Phaats Photos / Roger Archer
“Assemblywoman Lucas’ endorsement means a lot—I’m energized to keep pushing for fairness in Brooklyn’s courts,” Vaughn said.
On the borough-wide side, Danielle A. Noel is focusing her campaign on her years in local courts and a promise of equity.
Danielle Noel photo by Nick Rich
“I’m thankful for Nikki Lucas’ trust—I want everyone in Brooklyn to feel seen and heard in our courts,” Noel said.
Celeste E. Felix, now working in Kings County Supreme Court, brings expertise in complicated civil cases to the ticket.
Celeste Felix – photo provided by Celeste Felix for Civil Court Judge – Campaign
Felix said, “Lucas’ endorsement motivates me to keep striving for thoughtful, experienced decisions from the bench,”
Another on the borough-wide roster is Christine G. Ortiz, who’s spent more than a decade supporting trials and legal decisions in New York courts.
Christine Ortiz photo credit Phaats Photos Roger Archer
“I’m grateful for Lucas’ faith in me. My career has been about public service, and I’m ready to bring that to the Civil Court,” Ortiz said.
The final name on the slate is Linda Lo Cascio, whose almost three-decade career spans both private and public legal roles.
Linda Lo Cascio photo provided by Linda Lo Cascio Candidate for Brooklyn Civil Court Judge
Lo Cascio said, “It’s a privilege to have Nikki Lucas’ backing. My aim is to serve with integrity and experience,” .
Next Steps for Brooklyn’s Election Season
With petitions done, the next hurdle is ballot certification. Candidates without opposition will snag the Democratic nomination for November, while others will battle it out in the June 23, 2026 primary (early voting runs June 13–21).
Lucas’ team is moving into the next phase energized, with strong grassroots support and an emphasis on justice, service, and experience—themes that are sure to define the upcoming Brooklyn judicial races.
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