Chairman Kassar’s Weekly Wrap Up 4/25/25

Candidate Highlights

This week’s New York City candidate highlight is Alicia Vaichunas, running to replace Councilman Bob Holden in Council District 30. Alicia is proudly endorsed by both the Republican and Conservative Parties and will appear on the ballot for the June 24th Primary Election. This is a key seat, while Bob Holden was a Democrat, he aligned himself with the Common Sense Caucus, pushing back against extreme progressive policies. Now is the time to elect a true Conservative Republican who will unapologetically fight for the district’s values, and Alicia is that candidate.

Currently serving as Chief of Staff to Councilman Holden, Alicia has earned widespread praise for her tireless work ethic and commitment to constituents. Whether advocating for stronger schools or leading grassroots efforts against disastrous city policies, Alicia has been on the front lines ensuring our neighborhoods remain vibrant, safe, and family-friendly. We encourage you to learn more about her campaign by visiting her website here.

In the Mid-Hudson Region, our candidate spotlight is on James Nolan, running for re-election as Westchester County Legislator for District 15. A lifelong Yonkers resident, Jimmy Nolan has been a huge advocate for conservative values in Westchester. First elected in 2021, Jimmy has proven to be an indispensable ally to the Conservative Party. His work defending taxpayers, supporting public safety, first responders, and standing up for working-class families has earned him strong bipartisan respect. We are proud to once again endorse James Nolan on Line C. Learn more about his campaign, and get involved here.

Antisemitism Flooding New York State

Around the State, pro-Hamas protests have escalated beyond simple demonstrations, into real threats. Jewish students on college campuses increasingly find themselves unsafe, harassed, and silenced. Commuters trying to get home face chaos as Hamas sympathizers shut down Grand Central Station, block critical roadways, and disrupt daily life. It’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend, but it’s yet another ongoing crisis where Democrats like Hochul and Schumer are asleep at the wheel.

Activists have taken over campuses, attempting to turn education into an international political battlefield, while ignoring the civil rights of Jewish students in the process. Thankfully, leaders like Congresswomen Nicole Malliotakis and Elise Stefanik are stepping up. Their legislation aims to cut off federal funding to universities that allow antisemitism to flourish; being aided by President Trump’s administration, which has begun holding elite institutions like Harvard accountable. If universities cannot protect their Jewish students, they should not expect taxpayer dollars to continue flowing.

It’s shameful that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, despite his own background, has blocked common-sense efforts to address the crisis. If he truly cared about fighting antisemitism, he would join Malliotakis, Stefanik, and others who are demanding action and accountability. New York’s Jewish community, and indeed every New Yorker who values freedom and civil rights, deserves better. You can read more about the Stefanik/Malliotakis efforts here:

Save the Date

We are excited to announce that the Conservative Party is planning a major event on June 18, 2025, at the prestigious Union League Club in New York City. The evening will feature the presentation of our Michael R. Long Award, one of the highest honors of the Party. We are honored to have a very special award recipient this year, someone whose leadership and commitment to conservative values have been truly outstanding.

In addition to the award presentation, we are thrilled to be welcoming a prominent keynote speaker, with participation from officials and leaders from every level of government. This promises to be a can’t-miss night for conservatives across New York State. Formal invitations and more event details will be shared in the coming weeks.