The Jewish Voice Endorsements for the June 24th NYC Primary: A Vote for Security, Values, and Communal Strength

By: TJVNews.com

As the Jewish community of New York City prepares to head to the polls on June 24th, we offer this carefully curated list of endorsements for candidates who have demonstrated not only a clear commitment to public service, but also a tangible willingness to stand with our community during times of rising antisemitism, urban unrest, and moral equivocation. These candidates have earned our trust, and more importantly, our vote.

As New Yorkers head to the polls for the city’s upcoming primary elections, voters will once again engage in a transformative electoral system aimed at broadening democratic choice: ranked-choice voting. Approved by an overwhelming majority in a 2019 ballot measure, this system has fundamentally altered how votes are cast, counted, and ultimately, how candidates win office in the five boroughs.

In the voting booth, voters will see a list of candidates for each office. They can rank up to five, marking their top choice as #1, second choice as #2, and so on. It’s entirely optional to rank all five—if a voter prefers only one or two candidates, they can leave the remaining slots blank. Each ranked position carries weight only if earlier preferences are eliminated during the tallying process.

The counting process itself is designed to ensure majority support. Here’s how it unfolds:

First-Round Tally: If any candidate receives more than 50% of the first-choice votes, they win outright.

Elimination Rounds: If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the candidates ranked second on those ballots.

Subsequent Rounds: This process repeats—eliminating the lowest-ranked candidates and reallocating their votes according to next-ranked preferences—until only two candidates remain. The one with the majority of votes at that stage is declared the winner.

Early voting begins on Saturday, June 14, and runs through Sunday, June 22. Hours vary — on June 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, and 22, the polls are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On June 17 and 18, they’re open 10 a.m.-8 p.m, and on June 20, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mayor of New York City – #1 Andrew Cuomo

In times of crisis, leadership matters. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has long demonstrated a no-nonsense approach to public safety, religious liberty, and community resilience. At a moment when antisemitism is not just rising but metastasizing within New York’s institutions, Cuomo has pledged to restore order to a city that has turned a blind eye to Jewish vulnerability. His track record during previous waves of antisemitic violence—swiftly condemning hate crimes and allocating resources to community security—is unmatched. As mayor, Cuomo would prioritize the physical and moral defense of New York’s Jewish population, ensuring that yeshivas, shuls, and Jewish-owned businesses are protected—not politicized.

Mayor of New York City – #2 Whitney Tilson

Though a political newcomer, Whitney Tilson brings a refreshing outsider’s zeal to a city desperate for truth-tellers. His vocal support for charter schools and Jewish educational autonomy has resonated deeply with religious families. Tilson has made clear that he would treat antisemitic attacks not as “acts of intolerance” but as targeted hate crimes deserving aggressive prosecution. With crime still rampant and Jewish communities increasingly living in fear, Tilson’s platform of civic accountability, pro-policing, and cultural respect makes him a worthy second-choice endorsement in the mayoral contest.

Public Advocate – Jennifer Rajkumar

Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar has been a consistent and fearless ally of the Jewish community in Albany and is now poised to bring that voice to the citywide level as Public Advocate. Rajkumar has gone beyond mere words—pushing for enhanced funding for security at religious institutions, denouncing antisemitism in all its ideological forms, and backing legislation that holds perpetrators of hate accountable. Her track record is evidence-based and consistent, and her advocacy on behalf of minority communities—including Orthodox Jews—has earned her our full confidence.

Comptroller – Mark Levine

As Manhattan Borough President, Mark Levine stood firmly with Jewish leaders during the post-October 7 wave of antisemitic protests that threatened synagogues, Jewish students, and Israeli cultural events across the city. Levine understands that economic justice must include the fair treatment of Jewish institutions when it comes to funding, security grants, and contract oversight. As Comptroller, Levine would monitor city contracts to ensure no dollars go to organizations that espouse antisemitic rhetoric or refuse to denounce violence. His support for increased transparency and moral integrity in city finances aligns closely with communal values.

Manhattan Borough President – Keith Powers

Councilmember Keith Powers has a history of showing up—for Israel, for Jewish victims of hate, and for parents concerned about rising extremism in public education. Powers is deeply engaged in Jewish community concerns, from protecting kosher meal programs to speaking out against anti-Israel bias masquerading as social justice. As Borough President, he would prioritize interfaith unity and defend Jewish institutions from marginalization. His measured tone, policy fluency, and quiet strength make him a standout candidate for this crucial role.

Manhattan Borough President – Brad Hoylman-Sigal

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal has emerged as a surprising but consistent defender of Jewish dignity in the halls of Albany. While some on the progressive left equivocate on anti-Jewish hate, Hoylman-Sigal has unequivocally condemned antisemitism, whether on campus or in the streets. His support for enhanced school safety measures, legal action against hate crimes, and robust Holocaust education initiatives places him firmly in line with communal values. A shared endorsement alongside Keith Powers is warranted given both men’s contributions to Jewish life in New York.

City Council District 4 (West of 3rd Avenue) – #1 Rachel Storch

Rachel Storch is the rare candidate who combines moral clarity with civic know-how. A staunch supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense, Storch has pledged to back legislation that enhances NYPD resources for monitoring hate crimes and has made clear that antisemitism must be fought on the streets and in the classrooms. She supports increased funding for non-public schools and has made outreach to the Jewish community a centerpiece of her campaign. She spent many years studying Torah with the late Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis and her family remain stalwart supporters of the Hineni outreach movement.  As a former Missouri legislator with deep Jewish roots, Storch brings both policy experience and communal empathy to the table.

City Council District 4 – Faith Bondy

Faith Bondy has impressed many Jewish voters with her thoughtful approach to urban safety and religious freedom. She has spoken out boldly against rising anti-Jewish hostility, including the recent vandalism of synagogues and intimidation of Jewish students at public universities. Bondy supports the expansion of security camera networks in Jewish neighborhoods and endorses fast-track prosecution for hate-based violence. Her emphasis on values, parental rights, and community cohesion deserves recognition.

City Council District 4 – Virginia Maloney

Virginia Maloney offers a calm but determined voice for constitutional freedoms and neighborhood safety. While not as vocal on Jewish-specific issues as others, her platform emphasizes the protection of religious liberty, education freedom, and law enforcement support. She has shown an openness to working with Jewish community leaders on initiatives related to anti-hate curricula and synagogue security grants. Her presence in the race adds important weight to a consensus of candidates who reject moral relativism and leftist radicalism.

City Council District 5 (East of 3rd Avenue) – Julie Menin