New York Democrat aims to flip state seat with ‘Pro-Israel Party’ campaign
A New York City Democrat aiming to win a state assembly seat in Brooklyn has initiated a campaign under the “Pro-Israel Party” ballot line. This strategic decision is intended to increase his appeal in the predominantly Jewish southern part of the borough. To understand the context and potential implications of this decision, it’s important to consider several factors related to New York City’s political landscape, the demographic composition of Brooklyn, and the broader implications for both local and national politics.
1. **New York City’s Political Environment**: NYC is predominantly Democratic in its political leanings, but there are pockets with diverse political opinions and affiliations. Brooklyn, particularly its southern parts, has a significant population of Jewish residents, including a large Orthodox Jewish community. This community tends often to have specific political priorities, especially concerning support for Israel.
2. **Appeal to Jewish Voters**: By branding his campaign under the “Pro-Israel Party” line, the Democrat in question is likely attempting to tap into the specific concerns and priorities of Jewish voters in southern Brooklyn. Issues such as security and sovereignty of Israel, anti-Semitism, and community safety are typically high priorities within many Jewish communities.
3. **Cross-party Strategy**: This strategy might also be intended to attract conservative or independent voters who may prioritize a pro-Israel stance and could be swayed to vote for a Democrat, who explicitly aligns with this issue. It’s a way to bridge gaps between typical partisan lines, potentially gathering more support in a diverse area.
4. **Impact on Voter Turnout and Election Results**: Using a specialized ballot line could influence turnout by motivating specific voter groups that might feel particularly strong about Israel-related issues to come out and support a candidate who aligns with their views. This could be particularly effective in close races.
5. **Broader Political Implications**: The move could have ripple effects beyond the local election, signaling shifts in how Democrats might campaign on foreign policy issues at the local level. Additionally, it could provoke responses from within both the Democratic and Republican parties about the role of such issues in local politics.
6. **Potential Criticism and Controversy**: Such a campaign strategy might also draw criticism or controversy. Opponents could argue that it might polarize voters or oversimplify complex international issues. There might be debates over whether local legislative positions should strongly focus on international politics.
the strategy to campaign under the “Pro-Israel Party” highlights a blend of local electoral strategy with international policy interests, reflecting the nuanced and diverse political landscape of Brooklyn, New York.
A New York City Democrat looking to claim a state assembly seat in Brooklyn has filed a petition to run on a “Pro-Israel Party” ballot line to boost his chances of winning in the heavily Jewish southern section of the borough.
The petitioner, Joey Cohen Saban, is trying to flip a seat held by GOP incumbent Michael Novakhov and said he has already gathered enough signatures to run as the nominee of his proposed party. He will still run as a Democrat in the 45th Assembly District.
“The line would provide a way for people to show support for Israel, to get the attention it deserves,” Saban told the New York Post. “There’s tremendous support for Israel in the district.”
Saban is a Brooklyn native and is Jewish. He has attacked his opponent for previously donating to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a critic of Israel, and compared him to former New York Rep. George Santos for changing his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican. Santos has switched from Republican to independent.
“Novakhov has supported people who are anti-Israel — it crosses the line,” Saban said.
Novakhov, who is also Jewish, has countered by suggesting Saban didn’t have enough valid signatures for the ballot move. “Some signatures are not kosher,” Novakhov said.
“Saban is using the situation in Israel to get more votes,” he said. “It’s just a trick.”
The move is novel among politicians looking to garner support from voters this fall, many using Israel’s war against Hamas as a key issue in their races. Republicans have generally supported Israel, while some Democrats have been hesitant to throw their support behind Israel’s fight with Hamas.
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Democrats hold a 102-48 supermajority in the New York State Assembly as part of a Democratic trifecta in the state.
All of the New York Senate and Assembly seats will be up for election this November.
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