On Groundhog Day at the SI Zoo, sources say DA McMahon Warned Kamillah Hanks: ‘You’ve Got a Primary on Your Hands!’
By Rick LaRivière, M. Thomas Nast, and Frankie Pressman
Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon delivered a blunt reality check to embattled NYC Council Member Kamillah Hanks at the Staten Island Zoo’s Groundhog Day event. Sources overheard McMahon telling Hanks, “You’ve got a primary on your hands,” referring to her looming showdown with challenger Jozette Carter-Williams.
This candid remark underscores the growing momentum behind Carter-Williams, the widow of slain NYPD Officer Gerard Carter, as she secures key endorsements from law enforcement unions.
With the Democratic Party Primary set for June and the Staten Island Democratic Party County Convention just days away, Hanks is scrambling to maintain her political footing amid mounting scandals and evaporating support.
Law Enforcement Abandons Hanks
Hanks’ once-cozy relationship with law enforcement unions has collapsed. Sources confirm that the NYPD’s most powerful unions—the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), and the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA)—are lining up behind Carter-Williams.
PBA President Patrick Hendry and SBA President Vincent Vallelong have reportedly vowed that Hanks will never receive another endorsement from law enforcement. The unions’ fury stems from Hanks’ sponsorship of the controversial How Many Stops Act, which law enforcement groups argue ties the hands of good cops and undermines public safety.
“She stabbed us in the back,” said an NYPD source. “She promised to have our backs, then turned around and made it impossible for us to do our jobs.”
Hanks’ financial support for True2Life, a group known for advocating the parole of cop killers and gang members, further alienated her from law enforcement. The organization supported the parole of Shatiek Johnson, the man who murdered Officer Gerard Carter in 1998. Carter-Williams, who raised their son Louis alone after Gerard’s death, has been vocal about her disdain for Hanks’ support of such groups.
“She claims to represent the community, but her actions show otherwise,” Carter-Williams said in a recent interview. “You can’t stand with cop killers and claim to stand for public safety.”
The Political Fallout
Hanks’ betrayal didn’t go unnoticed by City Hall. NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams reportedly ordered the How Many Stops Act killed in committee to avoid political fallout. Hanks couldn’t get it done, and the bill went to the Council floor, where it was passed with vocal opposition.
As punishment, Speaker Adams stripped Hanks of her role as Public Safety Committee Chair, a demotion that signaled her diminishing influence. The matter further strained Hanks’ relationships with Mayor Adams and other key political figures, leaving her increasingly isolated from City power brokers.
District Attorney McMahon, who enjoys unwavering support from law enforcement, knows Hanks’s uphill battle. His blunt assessment at the zoo reflects the growing consensus that Hanks is vulnerable.
“Kamillah’s on an island, and it’s not Staten,” quipped a Manhattan Democratic consultant.
Kamillah Hanks Primary Trouble: The Democratic Party Divide
Tensions are boiling over as the Staten Island Democratic Party County Convention approaches next Thursday. Sources say State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Former Congressman Max Rose were slated to give nomination speeches supporting Hanks, but the PBA is not having it.
PBA President Hendry reportedly warned Spanton to “get detained in Albany” if she wants continued union support. The same message was delivered to Rose, who is rumored to be eyeing the Party Chair position and aligning with Hanks against current Chair Laura Sword.
Sword and Hanks are not on speaking terms after Hanks vetoed the County Committee’s choice of Debi Rose for Staten Island Board of Elections Commissioner. Instead, Hanks appointed attorney Michele Sileo, whose husband Jimmy Grant has been accused of acting as Hanks’ political enforcer.
“Kamillah’s burned bridges all over the place,” said a Democratic insider. “She’s alienated the County Committee, law enforcement, and even her own allies.”
Carter-Williams Gains Momentum
While Hanks fends off political attacks, Carter-Williams is gaining steam. She’s scheduled to interview with the Staten Island Democratic County Committee executive board this week, and sources say several executive board members—especially Debi Rose loyalists—are firmly in the “Never Kamillah” camp.
Carter-Williams’ campaign has resonated with voters frustrated by Hanks’ scandals and perceived betrayal of the community. Her platform focuses on restoring trust, bringing jobs back to the district, improving public safety, and supporting law enforcement.
“She’s exactly what Staten Island needs,” said a North Shore resident. “She’s lived through the pain of losing an officer in the line of duty. She understands what real sacrifice looks like.”
The Road Ahead
The political stakes couldn’t be higher as the petitioning period kicks off in a few weeks. Law enforcement unions are expected to make their endorsements official in the coming days, further solidifying Carter-Williams’ position as the frontrunner.
“Kamillah’s running out of time and friends,” said a political consultant. “She’s facing a well-organized opponent with deep community ties and the full backing of law enforcement. It’s going to be a bloodbath.”
With McMahon’s warning ringing in her ears and support crumbling around her, Hanks faces the political fight of her life. Whether she can overcome the scandals, broken alliances, and growing opposition remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Kamillah Hanks has a primary on her hands—and it won’t be easy.
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