Brooklyn Dems focus on southern races

Five Democratic candidates are competing against Republican incumbents in southern Brooklyn districts while the county party remains embroiled in a legal dispute over its leadership.

The races involve Mike DeCillis in NY-11, Joey Cohen-Saban in AD-45, Chris McCreight in AD-46, Joyce Xie in AD-49, and Larry He in SD-17. These contests take place as the Brooklyn Democratic Party fights over control following the June election of Julio Peña III as a district leader by the reform group New Kings Democrats.

Peña III stated that the party's primary duty is electing Democrats. He noted that the organization must return to its core responsibilities regardless of internal personal differences. However, party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn introduced new rules in August that reformers argue thwarted the group's plans to change leadership.

The conflict has produced lawsuits and restraining orders. Courts have repeatedly ruled against Bichotte Hermelyn, yet she presided over a vote on Oct. 4 that elected Assembly Member Nikki Lucas as party chair. Reformers contend this vote violated a temporary restraining order. They are waiting for a court ruling while early voting continues.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized the internal fight at a September rally. He argued that the party should focus on flipping the House and closing the gap in the governor's race. He described the current leadership dispute as a power grab that distracts from key objectives.

Chris McCreight, running against incumbent Alec Brook-Krasny in AD-46, said he has received no support from the county party during this campaign. He noted that the party often prioritizes primary elections over general elections in southern districts where Republicans hold office. McCreight relies on local volunteers and community groups to organize canvassing and outreach.

Mike DeCillis, challenging Nicole Malliotakis in NY-11, reported similar lack of institutional backing. He said his team compensates with mass canvassing and targeted advertisements. DeCillis expressed frustration that the legal battles are drawing attention away from the races. He described the party's logistical actions as handicapping the campaigns.

Joey Cohen-Saban, running in AD-45, reported a different experience. He said Bichotte Hermelyn provided substantial support for his 2024 campaign, including introductions to stakeholders and help with operations. He lost that race by 232 votes. Since the contested election of Lucas, she has continued to assist his current campaign.