Jewish Voter Mobilization in NYC: A Powerful Political Force in Upcoming Mayoral Elections

Jewish Voter Mobilization in NYC: A Powerful Political Force in Upcoming Mayoral Elections

Edited by: Fern Sidman

New York City, home to over 1 million Jewish residents, represents the largest Jewish population of any city in the United States. This community is now poised to play a significant role in shaping the city’s political future, as the Jewish Voters Action Network (JVAN), led by Maury Litwack, prepares to mobilize Jewish voters ahead of the 2025 municipal elections. According to a report that appeared  Sunday in  The New York Post, this initiative comes at a time of rising anti-Semitism and increased political polarization.

While the Jewish Voters Action Network maintains a non-partisan stance, Litwack has been outspoken against politicians who fail to take anti-Semitism seriously or align themselves with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). As The New York Post reported, the DSA sparked outrage by sponsoring an anti-Israel rally in Times Square just one day after the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, where over 1,200 Israelis were brutally murdered.

“A majority of Jewish people don’t agree with the DSA’s positions and platforms and find many of their positions to be deeply troubling,” Litwack told The New York Post. His words shine a spotlight on a growing divide between segments of the Democratic Party and the Jewish community, with the latter becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns.

According to the information provided in The New York Post report, Litwack plans to counteract the DSA’s highly effective grassroots operations with a robust effort of his own. His objective is to deploy thousands of volunteers to engage Jewish voters directly through door-to-door campaigns, community meetings, and targeted outreach initiatives. This hands-on approach mirrors the organizational structure often employed by the DSA, and Litwack is confident it will yield results.

“Jewish voters are largely common-sense voters,” Litwack told The New York Post. “The Jewish community is able to make positive change when they come out and vote.” This philosophy underpins JVAN’s broader strategy, which prioritizes mobilization and voter turnout as key drivers of political influence.

As The New York Post reported, Litwack has been outspoken against politicians who fail to address rising anti-Semitism or align with anti-Israel platforms championed by groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The DSA came under sharp criticism for organizing an anti-Israel rally in Times Square just one day after the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, during which 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed.

 The mayoral race, one of the most consequential contests in the upcoming elections, already boasts a crowded field of declared Democratic candidates, as per the information provided in The New York Post report.  Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, currently grappling with federal corruption allegations, will face challenges from City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos, DSA-backed Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and lawyer Jim Walden.

To counteract the DSA’s influential grassroots machine, Litwack aims to deploy thousands of volunteers across New York City. As The New York Post highlighted, this initiative will involve door-to-door outreach, direct voter engagement, and targeted mobilization campaigns. Litwack’s strategy mirrors the DSA’s highly effective organizational model but seeks to channel Jewish voter energy toward pragmatic, common-sense political outcomes.

Additionally, former Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly considering entering the race, a move that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the contest. On the Republican side, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa is expected to seek the GOP nomination once again. Sliwa, who lost to Adams in the 2021 mayoral election, has since elevated his public profile through renewed efforts to address subway safety and urban crime, as highlighted by The New York Post.

Litwack and JVAN’s efforts are not merely about short-term political victories but about building long-term civic engagement within the Jewish community. The New York Post report noted that Litwack’s past success in mobilizing Jewish voters helped moderate Democrat George Latimer defeat anti-Israel incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman in New York’s House District 16 during the 2023 Democratic primary. This victory serves as a template for JVAN’s strategy moving forward.

With anti-Semitic incidents on the rise, JVAN’s mobilization campaign goes beyond traditional political concerns. It seeks to address broader societal challenges while ensuring the Jewish community’s voice is heard in policy debates, public safety measures, and educational reforms.

Litwack’s strategy is not merely focused on the mayoral race but extends to City Council contests, comptroller elections, and other down-ballot races where turnout margins are often razor-thin. By targeting these key districts and leveraging a robust grassroots operation, the Jewish Voters Action Network (JVAN) aims to build a sustained political infrastructure capable of driving meaningful change in New York City politics.

As The New York Post reported, the significance of this mobilization effort cannot be overstated. In a city where low primary turnout often decides electoral outcomes, even modest increases in Jewish voter participation could have a disproportionate impact. Whether through volunteer networks, direct engagement, or issue-based advocacy, JVAN’s approach reflects a broader trend of communities organizing to make their voices heard in an increasingly polarized political environment.

Looking ahead, the 2025 municipal elections will serve as a critical test for JVAN’s strategy and for the broader Jewish community’s ability to assert its political influence in New York City. With anti-Semitism, public safety, and education emerging as key voter priorities, the Jewish electorate is set to play a decisive role in shaping the city’s leadership for the next generation.