Democrat Sam Sutton wins special Senate election in southern Brooklyn

Democrat Sam Sutton has emerged victorious in the special election to replace now-New York City Council Member Simcha Felder in state Senate District 22. Despite the district’s support for President Donald Trump the past two presidential elections, Republicans still haven’t been able to flip the heavily Orthodox Jewish seat in southern Brooklyn.

Sutton, who will be the first Sephardic Jewish member of the state Legislature, cruised to victory Tuesday against Republican district leader Nachman Caller with 67% of the vote. Although Trump won the district in 2024 with about 77% of the vote, residents in the 22nd state Senate District stuck with tradition by backing a moderate or conservative candidate from the community. While Republicans may have hoped for an upset given the presidential voting patterns, Democrats will maintain their numbers in Albany with Sutton’s victory. 

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins welcomed her new incoming member Tuesday evening. “We congratulate Senator-Elect Sam Sutton on his victory in the Special Election to represent the 22nd District in the New York State Senate,” she said in a statement. “From strengthening public safety and supporting working families to investing in schools, small businesses, and senior services, we are confident Senator-Elect Sutton will be a strong voice for his community in Albany.”