Legislative Shifts Expand Socialist Influence
Several state legislative races are expected to expand the influence of Democratic Socialists in Albany, giving the group a larger presence as they try to push Gov. Kathy Hochul to the left, according to The Real Deal.
At least five candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are expected to win in the Assembly: Samantha Kattan in Queens’ District 37; David Orkin in Queens’ 38th District; Christian Celeste Tate in Brooklyn’s 54th District; Eon Huntley in Brooklyn’s 56th District; and Illapa Sairitupac in Manhattan’s 55th District, the publication reported.
The DSA has also backed Assembly member Diana Moreno, who won a February special election to fill Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s former Queens seat. DSA-backed candidates in Buffalo and Syracuse are also expected to win seats in the chamber.
These wins would double the number of socialist lawmakers in Albany. In the Senate, Aber Kawas is vying for the seat held by Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris in Queens’ 12th District.
Housing Policy Priorities
This dynamic is setting the stage for policy clashes on housing and real estate in future legislative sessions, including on an expansion of rent stabilization beyond the boroughs, commercial rent control, and a state initiative to give tenants first dibs on buying their buildings when they go up for sale.
Left-leaning lawmakers are looking to advance the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase, or TOPA, Act, which would give tenants first dibs on buying the multifamily buildings they live in when they go up for sale.
Governor’s Race Defines Housing Vision
Gov. Kathy Hochul is working to fend off her Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman to secure a second four-year term. The two have put forth very different visions for New York’s housing market: Hochul favors expanding housing production, state incentives for development and reforms to speed up construction.
Blakeman opposes state housing mandates and isn’t keen on high-density development, especially in suburban communities.
Hochul is widely expected to win reelection, with the latest Siena College poll showing her leading Blakeman 54 percent to 40 percent among likely voters.