Democrats win two state Senate races
But rebel Simcha keeps GOP in charge
Democrats technically seized the majority in the New York state Senate by winning two special elections Tuesday night — but they were hollow victories because the party still won’t actually run the chamber, thanks to one renegade member.
Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder announced earlier in the day that, despite his party affiliation, he will continue to caucus with Republican, thus giving the GOP an effective 32-to-31 “majority” in the Senate.
“With only 25 days remaining in this year’s legislative session, I believe it is my obligation to prevent an unprecedented and uncertain late session political battle that will only hurt my constituents and New Yorkers,” Felder said in a statement. “Political gamesmanship must not be allowed to jeopardize the leadership, committee structure and staff of the New York state Senate and push this institution into turmoil.”
His decision averted a possible court fight over the Senate that might have grown out of Tuesday’s ballot results.
In Westchester, Democrat Shelley Mayer topped her GOP rival,
Political gamesmanship must not be allowed to jeopardize the leadership, committee structure and staff of the New York State Senate and push this institution into turmoil. — Brooklyn state Sen. Simcha Felder, explaining why he’ll continue to caucus with Republicans as a Democrat
Julie Killian, 58 percent to 42 percent, with 87 percent reporting, for a seat that was once held by George Latimer, who became Westchester County executive.
Democrat Luis Sepulveda trounced Republican Patrick Delices and Reform Party candidate Pamela Stewart-Martinez for City Councilman Rubén Díaz Sr.’s old seat in The Bronx.
If Democrats had brought Felder back into the fold, the two wins could have given them the Senate — and complete control of all three branches of state government — by a simple majority vote. But Republicans were prepared to argue in court that Senate rules require 38 votes for leadership changes in mid-session.
“Upheaval and court battles among partisans is not the preferred method of governing,” Felder said. “Regardless of which candidates prevail in today’s elections, I will continue to caucus with the majority coalition.”
Felder was elected as a Democrat in 2012 but has helped Republicans maintain control of the chamber by aligning with them.
“We’re thrilled with Senator Felder’s decision to continue to caucus with our majority,” said Scott Reif, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. Democrats called Felder a sellout. “The voters are sick and tired of Democrats that empower Trump Republicans,” Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy said.
Dani Lever, a spokeswoman for Gov. Cuomo, suggested Cuomo isn’t finished dealing with Felder.
Felder also appeared to leave the door open to changing sides after the legislative session or after November’s general election, when every state lawmaker’s seat will be up for grabs.