 He first ran for office in this district-which was designed in order to maximize the political clout of the largely West Indian constituency that lies within this area, i.e.Flatlands, Flatbush, East Flatbush, and Midwood - in 1997 against then incumbent City Councilman Lloyd Henry.Although defeated in that race, Stewart went on to successfully contest the seat four years later in a crowded Democratic primary field, which included two other Caribbean-American candidates, and future State Senator Kevin Parker.