Brian A. Cunningham proudly represents the 43rd Assembly District in Central Brooklyn, which includes Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush. Since being elected in March 2022, Assemblymember Cunningham has worked to advance legislation and secure resources that strengthen housing, education, public safety, and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.

Early Life

Born and raised in New York City to Jamaican immigrant parents, Assemblymember Cunningham is a lifelong resident who has dedicated his career to serving his community. Growing up in a working-class family, he developed a deep commitment to public service, equity, and opportunity for all New Yorkers.

Career in Public Service

Before his election to the Assembly, Cunningham built a career in government, community development, and nonprofit leadership. He served in the New York City Council as a Chief of Staff and later as a Special Assistant in the New York State Senate, gaining firsthand experience in policy, constituent services, and legislative operations.

Cunningham was also the first person elected to run a Cure Violence site in New York City, leading efforts to reduce gun violence in Central Brooklyn. He worked as a youth advisor with organizations such as CAMBA and NPower, and as an aide to President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, advancing initiatives focused on mentoring, education, and opportunity for young men of color.

Legislative Work

In the Assembly, Cunningham has been a leading voice on:

• Housing: championing legislation to expand faith-based affordable housing, combat deed theft, and address bad-faith landlord practices.
• Education: advancing the High Impact Tutoring Act and the Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act to strengthen opportunities for New York’s youth.
• Public Safety and Mental Health: sponsoring measures to expand youth mobile crisis outreach and continuing his work to provide alternatives to violence through programs like the annual Central Brooklyn Classic basketball tournament.

Since taking office, Cunningham has secured over $1 billion in state funding for the 43rd Assembly District, supporting critical investments in health care, housing, education, and community development.

Leadership Roles

Cunningham currently serves as the First Vice Chair of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, Inc. He also served as the inaugural Treasurer of the New York State Black Legislative Task Force, helping to lay the groundwork for its financial and organizational structure.

Personal Life

Assemblymember Cunningham lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Stephanie Cunningham, Executive Director of Museum Hue, and their son, Senator Cunningham. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter. He is dedicated to ensuring that Central Brooklyn remains a vibrant, safe, and thriving community for all families.