Frank Francois

Francois is concerned about allegations of police brutality against minorities. If elected, he would move to hire full-time federal prosecutors and judges to specifically handle allegations of police brutality. Francois also wants to create a National Department of Law Enforcement Oversight, a federal agency that would review the actions of police departments across the country. “It would provide checks and balances,” Francois said. “No one should be above the law.” Francois supports the legalization of marijuana and would redirect funds used to prosecute drug crimes, in part, to manage Long Island’s heroin and opioid crisis. Francois is a supporter of long-delayed plans to build a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, hotel and retail center at Belmont Park. But Francois would take the decision out of the hands of the Empire State Development Corp., a state agency, and allow local residents to vote on the project through a public referendum. “The decision should be up to the community,” he said.

Francois, 51, of Queens Village, is running on the Green Party line in the 5th Congressional District (formerly the 6th District) which includes Southeast Queens, along with Elmont, North Valley Stream and Inwood. Born in Washington, D.C., Francois graduated from Bayside High School and received certification from the now-closed Computer Career Center in Garden City. Francois has worked for six years as a public adjuster, arguing on behalf of homeowners against insurance companies in cases. He previously worked as a real estate consultant. Francois was elected as a Queens County committee member in 2009 and served for three years. A lifelong Democrat, Francois changed his party registration this year after becoming disgruntled with Democratic Party leadership in Southeast Queens. Francois has two teenage children.