Republican Islands of Democratic New York: Areas Where Election Could Be Surprised

In most parts of New York, criticism of President 45, Donald Trump, is a sure-fire route to run for a nominee in these local elections, which will be voted on tomorrow, November 2. But not everywhere, there are districts in the city where Republicans are strongly supported, reports The New York Times.

One such place is the 48th arrondissement in Brooklyn. Stephen Saperstein represents the Democrats there. On October 31, he took a stroll down the Brighton Beach boardwalk to mingle with voters. It is close to the residential complex Trump Villagewhere he grew up.

“I'm a Republican,” one woman said to him.

“One hundred and twenty percent,” another declared. Then she nevertheless admitted that she would still consider Saperstein's candidacy during the voting.

Voted Democrats, although they preferred Republicans

“They're trying to boil it down to the idea of ​​a presidential election,” Saperstein said of his Republican opponent. Inne Vernikov, which is publicly supported by Donald Trump Jr. “But the people in this district understand and know that national elections are one thing, but at the local level, you have to vote for a person, not an ideology.”

Indeed, for years, New Yorkers who favored Republicans in the presidential election have voted Democrats for local office. But in the final days of this campaign, Republicans are working to make a difference in Brooklyn's 48th arrondissement. Many Orthodox Jews, Russian and Ukrainian immigrants live there, for whom Vernikov is his own.

If they succeed, this victory will be another example of how polarized even ultra-local American politics has become.

Republicans of New York: who are they

It is one of the few New York City constituencies that has “signs of republican life” in a predominantly democratic city. But surprises are not ruled out.

Republican candidates in the New York election race differ from each other in rhetoric, experience and articulation of issues that reflect the characteristics of their constituencies. But they all press on the importance of public safety in their interactions with voters, as well as discuss educational issues such as the gifted and talented program and stringent COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On the subject: Election of the Mayor of New York: Comparative Analysis of the Programs of Eric Adams and Curtis Sliva

Some Republicans even argue that the difficult situation at the national level could rob the Democrats of points in some local races.

“It's a lot like 2009, when Obama came to power on a wave of hope for change and then failed,” said Nick Langworthy, chairman of the New York State Republican Committee. “In 2009 we had great success at the local level.”

Whatever the outcome of the New York election, Republicans are almost certainly not going to make their way to citywide offices. By almost every measure, the Republican Party is crashing in the country's largest city. They are significantly outnumbered when registering voters, so it is very difficult to find those who want to run for office - worthy politicians do not want to waste energy for a tick.

At city council level, Republican chances are minimal

In their most optimistic assessment, Republicans could increase their presence from three to five MPs on the 51-seat city council. But even that will take a bit of luck in the disputed constituencies. If they are unlucky, then it is quite possible that they will keep only one place.

Officials on both sides believe three or four seats are a more realistic target for Republicans.

Fighting in Queens

Felicia Singh, a teacher supported by the leftist Workers' Families Party, is running against Joan Ariola, the Republican Party chairman in Queens. The race generated considerable interest among both leftists and rightists in the city.

Democrats argue that Singh focuses on education, the environment, and resources for often underserved communities. This, they said, best reflects the interests of the working class and immigrants.

Singh called Ariola a "Trump Republican" and noted her past ties to the county chief who was charged with participating in the January 6 storming of the US Capitol. Ariola said she condemned the assault and stressed that no one "should be guilty by association."

Ariola insists on strong police support, advocates for the protection and improvement of the gifted and talented program, and emphasizes the quality of life in the city.

Staten Island Race

There is another race, widely seen as a chance for Republicans to win a seat on the city council. It runs for the county in Staten Island, where incumbent Republican minority leader Stephen Matteo won the previous election.

David Carr, Matteo's chief of staff, is the Republican nominee. Sal F. Albanese, a former city councilor, is a Democratic nominee.

On the subject: More than just elections: 5 legislative proposals New Yorkers will see on their ballot papers in November

Unlike Queens, where there is a clear ideological contrast between the candidates, the rivals on Staten Island largely agree on a number of issues of concern to New York. These issues include city vaccination requirements, against which they both are... They also vigorously competed for who are the true defenders of law and order.