Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Phara Souffrant Forrest, New York State Assembly District 57
In June of this year, Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialist, won the nomination for US Representative from Brooklyn. The neighborhood of Fort Greene helped her triumph in her primary. This progressive neighborhood also falls in the State Assembly district of Phara Souffrant Forrest (she/her), another democratic socialist in the New York State House. This millennial won her seat in the fall of 2020, after she joined the Crown Heights Tenants Union because her landlord was going to convert her rent-stabilized apartment into luxury condos. A maternal health nurse, Phara is currently 9 months pregnant with her second child, and she is running on a campaign of single-payer healthcare, with her highest priority being black maternal health. Phara sums up her campaign, “I fight for tenants, immigrants, workers, and everyone who is left out of our capitalist system.”
Where are you based?
Brooklyn, New York! I was born and raised in Crown Heights, where I now live with my family.
What is your position/what position are you running for?
I’m running for re-election to the New York State Assembly, representing the 57th Assembly District.
How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I believe that there are things government can do to make life better for working people. It doesn’t have to be so hard to live in New York State! My top priorities are universal services like healthcare and childcare, along with tenant protections and reforms to our carceral system.
What inspired you to run?
Before I ran for office, I worked as a field nurse, and I visited my patients in their homes. Seeing the social issues that affected my patients and made it harder for them to stay healthy made me want to run for office to tackle some of those issues myself.
What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I want to educate people about how government works. Too many people have lost faith in our government they don’t understand how it works and they don’t believe there’s a place for them.
How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I first took office in 2021. That year, I passed a bill called Less Is More, to reform New York State’s parole system. It has helped thousands of New Yorkers stay out of prison and get their lives back on track. In 2021 I also helped lead a campaign to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers during the pandemic, though we are still fighting to get the wealthy to pay their fair share. I also passed legislation eliminating copays for insulin in the state, and this year, I passed a bill requiring drug companies to cover brand-name drugs if there’s a shortage of the generic drug.
What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The rent is too damn high. Not just the rent, but the entire cost of living is too high. Every day people are confronted with their rent, their tuition, their utility bill, their gas bill, and the math ain’t mathing. That’s why I’m fighting to raise taxes on the wealthy, so we can actually invest that money in things that make people’s lives more affordable.
Phara facilitating a community workshop. © Olivia Treadwell
America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I make it a point to talk to everyone, whether or not we share an ideology. In my district, I’ve launched a leadership development program called Brooklyn ROOTS, where we teach residents how to organize, how to build relationships, and how to analyze power dynamics. I want all of my constituents to have the tools to be successful organizers and coalition builders!
How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I can relate to a lot of people because of the experiences that I’ve had. I’ve been a public school student, an Uber driver, a nurse, a mom, and a tenant. And as a Black woman, I know that if our systems aren’t working for me, they’re not working for anyone.
What is your motto in life?
Closed mouths don’t get fed. If you want something, you need to speak up! Organize your neighbors!
Where can we find out more about you?
You can find me at @pharaforassembly on Instagram, @phara4assembly on X.com, and pharaforassembly.com.
In June of this year, Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialist, won the nomination for US Representative from Brooklyn. The neighborhood of Fort Greene helped her triumph in her primary. This progressive neighborhood also falls in the State Assembly district of Phara Souffrant Forrest (she/her), another democratic socialist in the New York State House. This millennial won her seat in the fall of 2020, after she joined the Crown Heights Tenants Union because her landlord was going to convert her rent-stabilized apartment into luxury condos. A maternal health nurse, Phara is currently 9 months pregnant with her second child, and she is running on a campaign of single-payer healthcare, with her highest priority being black maternal health. Phara sums up her campaign, “I fight for tenants, immigrants, workers, and everyone who is left out of our capitalist system.”