NEW YORK, N.Y. โ New York State Senate candidate Alina Bonsell is urging concerned New Yorkers to leave the Democratic Party and register as Independents following recent electoral gains by Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates, arguing that the party no longer represents the interests of many working families, public safety advocates, small business owners, and members of the Jewish community.
In a statement issued on June 24, Bonsell said the results of recent Democratic primary contests demonstrated what many critics have long argued: that the Democratic Party in New York has increasingly shifted toward the political left.
“Last night’s results confirmed what many New Yorkers have been warning about for years: the Democratic Party has been overtaken by the DSA and the far-left activists driving its agenda,” Bonsell said.
Her comments came in the aftermath of primary election results that saw continued political momentum for candidates aligned with or supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Bonsell specifically referenced the political rise of New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a prominent DSA member whose policy positions and activism have generated both support and criticism across New York’s political landscape.
“With Zohran Mamdani and his allies continuing to gain ground, it is becoming increasingly clear that the party no longer reflects the priorities of many working families, small business owners, public safety advocates, or members of the Jewish community,” Bonsell stated.
The Democratic Socialists of America, one of the largest socialist organizations in the United States, has expanded its influence in New York politics over the past decade, electing candidates to municipal, state, and federal office.
Supporters argue that DSA-backed candidates advocate for affordable housing, expanded social services, and economic reforms designed to address inequality. Critics, however, contend that some of the organization’s positions on policing, public safety, and Israel place it outside the political mainstream.
Bonsell, who is challenging longtime New York State Senator Liz Krueger, encouraged voters dissatisfied with the Democratic Party’s current direction to formally change their political affiliation.
“I encourage New Yorkers who are concerned about the future of our city and state to withdraw their membership from the Democratic Party and register as Independents,” Bonsell said.
She emphasized that although the Democratic primary season has concluded, voters still have opportunities to influence the outcome of November’s general election.
“There is still an opportunity this November to support sensible Republican and Independent candidates who believe in public safety, affordability, accountability, and common-sense government,” she said.
Bonsell also criticized Krueger, a 24-year incumbent representing Manhattan’s East Side, for endorsing Mamdani and for what she described as insufficient engagement with pro-Israel constituents.
“Many voters were also disappointed by her absence from the Israel Day Parade,” Bonsell stated.
“Our community deserves leaders who stand firmly with Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people and who speak clearly and consistently against antisemitism.”
The relationship between progressive political movements and segments of New York’s Jewish community has become increasingly strained in recent years, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Some Jewish organizations and community leaders have expressed concern regarding statements and positions adopted by certain progressive activists and elected officials concerning Israel, antisemitism, and Zionism.
Bonsell argued that the continued growth of DSA-aligned candidates should concern New Yorkers broadly.
“The continued rise of DSA-backed candidates should concern every New Yorker,” she said.
“Many residents fear that antisemitism will continue to increase and that the policies being advanced by the far left will further divide our communities rather than bring people together.”
She characterized the recent election results as evidence that “New York is moving in the wrong direction.”
Despite her concerns, Bonsell stressed that political engagement remains essential.
“Before November, I encourage everyone who shares these concerns to get involved,” she said, urging supporters to volunteer, donate, canvass, engage in voter outreach, and encourage absentee ballot participation.
Bonsell concluded her statement with a call for maximum voter participation.
“Most importantly, vote. Vote, vote, vote. Do not sit this election out,” she said.
“The people who show up decide the future, and if enough New Yorkers get involved, we can restore balance and common sense to our government.”
New York’s general election is scheduled for November, when voters across the state will choose candidates for a range of local and state offices.
