By: Nick Carroway

A high-stakes special election on Tuesday in southern Brooklyn has Republicans hopeful for a major pickup in a state Senate district where Donald Trump won in a landslide last year. According to reporting by the New York Post, GOP candidate Nachman Caller and Democrat Sam Sutton are facing off in the 22nd Senate District, which has become a focal point for both state parties.

The seat became vacant after conservative Democrat Simcha Felder won a separate special election to join the New York City Council, leaving the district — which includes Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Madison, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, and Sheepshead Bay — up for grabs. Though Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district, many voters lean conservative and have a history of crossing party lines, the New York Post notes.

Republican candidate Nachman Caller, a real estate attorney and longtime district leader, is emphasizing conservative values and backing from GOP leadership. The New York Post reports that he has the support of high-profile Republicans including House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a district with a large Orthodox Jewish population in the lower Hudson Valley.

Caller’s campaign is being managed by O’Brien “O.B.” Murray, a political consultant and former strategist for Felder’s past campaigns. Murray has framed the election as a referendum on the Democratic majority’s policies in Albany. “This is an opportunity for every voter in the district to say ‘enough is enough’ to the radical liberal agenda in Albany,” he told the New York Post. He added that a Caller victory would bring Senate Democrats two votes short of a veto-proof majority — a key political milestone.

On the other side, Democratic nominee Sam Sutton is a well-known figure in the Sephardic Jewish community and serves as co-leader of the Sephardic Community Federation. The New York Post reports that Sutton enjoys robust support from the Democratic establishment, including Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres, a prominent pro-Israel voice and rising star rumored to be eyeing a future run for governor.

Despite his alignment with the Democratic Party, Sutton’s deep local ties and moderate image make him a formidable opponent in a district known for its complex political makeup. Notably, Felder — a conservative Democrat who has previously caucused with Republicans — has not endorsed either candidate, according to the New York Post.

The contest is expected to come down to voter turnout, with both campaigns acknowledging the race remains highly competitive. While the Democratic Party holds a significant registration advantage, the district’s history suggests Republican candidates can perform well, especially with backing from Orthodox Jewish and conservative-leaning constituents. The New York Post highlights that Trump carried the district with 77% of the vote in the last election, a striking figure in deep-blue New York City.

Observers say the outcome could influence the balance of power in Albany, particularly if Republicans gain momentum heading into the next legislative session. For now, all eyes are on southern Brooklyn, where voters will decide whether to reinforce Democratic control or send a conservative message to state leaders.