Competing Crown Heights Groups Back Different Assembly Candidates
Two Crown Heights political committees are backing different New York State Assembly candidates ahead of a Democratic primary that often carries more weight than the general election.
by COLlive Reporter · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
With the Democratic Primary Election approaching, Crown Heights organizations and political groups are increasing efforts to encourage voter turnout and rally support behind competing candidates.
Because many New York City districts heavily favor Democratic candidates in the general election, the Democratic primary is frequently viewed as the decisive contest that determines who will ultimately hold office.
The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) emailed a “Get Out the Vote” call urging residents to participate and highlighting issues including schools, public safety, sanitation, transportation, municipal services, and strengthening the community’s civic voice.
In recent years, the Jewish Future Alliance has led successful efforts to register thousands of Anash voters in Crown Heights, helping transform the neighborhood into an increasingly organized voting bloc.
In a statement to COLlive, the Jewish Future Alliance said it continues its decade-long effort to educate and register Anash voters, while clarifying that it is not involved in the current endorsement campaign.
“We continue our decade-long effort to educate and register Anash voters,” the organization said. “We are encouraged by the growing recognition among additional organizations regarding the importance of voting.”
Alongside the broader turnout effort, separate political groups have released competing endorsement slates.
The Crown Heights United Political Action Committee (PAC) issued an endorsement supporting incumbent Assemblymember Brian Cunningham for reelection in New York State Assembly District 43.
The endorsement supporting Cunningham was signed by Rabbi Lazer Avtzon, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, Shaya Gordon, Devorah Halberstam, Rabbi Shea Hecht, Rabbi Shlomie Hecht, Rabbi Mendy Hershkop, Avi Lesches, Menachem Light, Rabbi Berel Majesky, and Rabbi Chanina Sperlin.
The PAC described Cunningham as a consistent supporter of the Jewish community and said he has maintained relationships with local residents and leaders through both ordinary times and difficult moments.
As reported on COLlive.com, Cunningham also has the support of his colleagues in the assembly Sam Berger, Simcha Eichenstein, Kalman Yeger, Aron Wieder, and Assembly candidate Pesach Osina.
Separately, an another political group, Political Action Committee of Crown Heights, said they are backing Ahron Gluck for New York State Assembly District 43.
The endorsement supporting Gluck was signed by Meir New, Berel Hildeshaim, Dovid Halon, Rabbi Yossi Garelik, Rabbi Yanky Raskin, Rabbi Moshe Pinson, Rabbi Peretz Shapiro, Mordy Kaplinsky, and Benny Rosenberger.
The competing endorsements come as Crown Heights’ growing voter participation increasingly attracts attention from political organizations and candidates seeking support from the neighborhood.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 23. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
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