Bichotte Hermelyn was the first Haitian-American to be elected to the State Legislature from New York City,[1] as well as Chair of the Kings County Democratic Committee.

[11] In 2012, Bichotte Hermelyn opted to take on longtime Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, who despite fast-changing demographic shifts had won the 42nd District easily as a white, Jewish woman in an African-American, Caribbean community.

Bichotte Hermelyn, who is of Haitian descent, challenged Jacobs in the Democratic primary, but lost to the incumbent 67% to 32%.

In 2023, Bichotte Hermelyn was appointed Majority Whip for the Democratic Caucus of the New York State Assembly.

This statewide law prevents hospital employees from turning away pregnant women with a history of health problems.