Jo Anne Simon
Jo Anne Simon is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 52nd District of the New York State Assembly. She is a Democrat. The district includes portions of Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Boerum Hill and DUMBO in Brooklyn. Early life and education. Simon was born in Yonkers, New York. A first-generation college student, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iona College. She later earned a Master of Arts degree from Gallaudet University, and a Juris Doctor from  the Fordham University School of Law. Career. After graduating from law school, Simon established a disability civil rights law firm in Downtown Brooklyn. She also worked as an adjunct assistant professor of law at Fordham University. A resident of Brooklyn for nearly forty years, Simon formerly served as the president of the Boerum Hill Association before being elected to the New York State Assembly. In 2014, she was elected district leader and state committeewoman for the 52nd Assembly district. On October 1, 2020, Simon announced her candidacy for Brooklyn Borough President in front of James Madison High School as a  tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If elected, she would have been the first woman to hold the office; she ultimately finished in second place, behind City Council member Antonio Reynoso. New York Assembly. In 2014, nine-term Assemblywoman Joan Millman announced she would retire. Soon after, Simon announced she would enter the race to succeed her. In a three-way primary, Simon secured over 53% of the vote and won the general election with 69% of the vote. Simon was sworn into office on January 1, 2015. In the Assembly, she serves as the chair of the Subcommittee on Tuition  Assistance Programs. Personal life. Simon is married to Bill Harris and resides in Boerum Hill.