Kwani B. O'Pharrow is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly representing the 11th district, which includes parts of Suffolk and Nassau counties. He has served since 2025, winning the seat in the 2024 election after the incumbent declined to run for re-election. Born on September 28, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York, O'Pharrow has a long career in public service, including military and law enforcement roles. Notable achievements include co-founding Cops N’ Kids Long Island in 2019 to mentor youth and improve police-community relations, creating Operation Giveback for holiday aid to families, and leading SACRO in Brentwood. He is a certified USA Boxing coach, DCJS Instructor, former president of Starrett City Boxing, and previously worked as a school safety supervisor in the Brentwood Union Free School District. He currently serves on the Committees on Higher Education, Local Governments, and Real Property Taxation.

Education and Political Experience

No specific details on formal education are available from public records. His professional experience includes service in the U.S. Navy as Radioman Petty Officer 3rd Class -Intel, and a 25-28 year career with the New York City Police Department, retiring as a Detective. NYPD roles encompassed school officer, community patrol, domestic violence, gang investigations, plainclothes details, and Intelligence Bureau assignments protecting dignitaries like Presidents Obama and Trump. This extensive background informs his first term in the Assembly, focused on community safety and youth programs.