He was a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly representing the Manhattan neighborhoods of West Harlem, Inwood and Washington Heights from 1975 to 2017.
He also played an important role in the passage of the Neighborhood Preservation Companies Act, whereby New York State funds community organizations that "provide tenant advocacy."
However, Farrell is most widely known for having been a prominent member of the state (and to a lesser extent, national) Democratic Party.
[4] Following the split, black leaders from around New York City met to settle past differences and focus on uniting for future elections.
[5] A pedestrian bridge constructed in Riverside Park in late 2017 was named after Farrell as it was located within his Assembly district.