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.

Join The Conservative Movement Today

The Conservative Party of New York State is growing at a historic pace—and we have YOU to thank.

In 2024, President Donald J. Trump’s re-election marked a turning point in American politics. Thanks to 321,788 votes on the Conservative Party line, we delivered our second-highest presidential total ever and helped give Trump the popular vote victory that changed everything.

Now, President Trump is back in charge of securing the border, rooting out DEI madness, and restoring common sense in Washington.

But don’t be fooled—2025 is no “off year.” Thousands of local races are on the ballot across New York: County Legislators, Mayors, Town Supervisors, Council Members, and more. These races affect our everyday lives—and we MUST win them.

BECOME A SUPPORTER TODAY!

 

Madame Attorney General, No One Is Above The Law

I have heard Attorney General Letitia James proclaim that ‘no one is above the law” for the past seven years. It has become her very creed and motto – but one she thought never applied to her. (Please see examples in the full wrap up)

Now, we learn that Ms. James may have been cheating on financial and real estate documents for years, calling into question her legitimacy as a New York State resident and her position as New York State Attorney General. It would be tiresome to harp on the hypocrisy involved, so we’ll simply concur with the Attorney General’s earlier statements: No one is above the law. New Yorkers will see Ms. James in court.

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1. February 25, 2022 – Civil Investigation into Donald Trump

“Make no mistake: My office will continue to pursue this case without fear or favor because no one is above the law.”

2. February 16, 2024 – Civil Fraud Judgment Against Trump

“Because no matter how big, rich, or powerful you think you are, no one is above the law.”

3. May 30, 2024 – Statement on X (formerly Twitter)

“No one is above the law.”

4. February 7, 2025 – Lawsuit Against Elon Musk and DOGE

“As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law.”

5. February 8, 2025 – Victory in DOGE Lawsuit

“I have said it before, and I will say it again: no one is above the law.”

6. April 7, 2022 – Motion to Hold Trump in Contempt

“We are seeking the court’s immediate intervention because no one is above the law.”

7. April 8, 2022 – Action Against Cushman & Wakefield

“Cushman — like any other party — cannot defy a lawful subpoena because no one is above the law.”

8. January 31, 2022 – Trump Investigation

“Despite these threats, we will not stop our investigation or our pursuit of justice because no one is above the law.”

9. October 2, 2023 – Statement Outside New York Court

“No one is above the law.”

10. September 21, 2022 – Trump Civil Fraud Lawsuit Announcement

“No one, no one is above the law.”

11. October 6, 2022 – After Court Orders Trump Deposition

“No one is above the law—not even the former President of the United States.”

12. April 13, 2021 – NRA Bankruptcy Case

“The NRA cannot escape accountability. No one is above the law.”

13. March 8, 2023 – Opioid Settlement Press Conference

“We are holding these corporations accountable because no one is above the law.”

14. January 12, 2023 – Charges Against Celsius CEO

“Crypto entrepreneurs must play by the rules like everyone else. No one is above the law”

15. July 14, 2020 – NYPD Protest Investigation

“We are launching a full, independent investigation. No one is above the law—not even those in uniform.”

Hochul Marist Poll Results

Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings continue to slip, with a recent Marist poll showing nearly 60% of New Yorkers oppose her seeking re-election in 2026. Only 39% approve of her job performance, and a mere 13% strongly support her. I see these numbers as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction across the state from one-party rule. I was quoted in the South Shore Press stating, “Hochul has consistently bad polling numbers. It can be argued that her bad numbers are locked in – that it’s not going to fluctuate. I think the biggest thing for her is that she continues to have this very, very high number across the board of people saying that she should not seek re-election…This poll indicates that we will have a new governor as long as the opposition party, which I chair one of them, ends up with solid candidates for governor.”

The polling should raise alarm bells for Democrats; showing she has lost significant ground even among their own base, with many questioning her leadership and effectiveness in improving the quality of life in New York. I believe the stage is set for a strong challenge, and I am confident the Conservative Party will endorse the best candidate.

Full article here: South Shore Press

Happy Easter and Chag Pesach Sameach

As we enter this sacred season, I offer my heartfelt wishes for a blessed Good Friday, a joyful Easter, and a meaningful Passover to all who celebrate. These holy days are moments for deep reflection, rooted in the timeless values that have shaped our faith, our families, and the foundation of Western civilization. Easter speaks to the triumph of hope through Christ’s resurrection, while Passover honors God’s deliverance and the enduring call to freedom. This weekend, take the time to step away from the crazy world of politics, and spend as much time as you can with family and friends. You all deserve it.

May this season bring peace and strength to you and your family. God bless you and the United States of America.

NOTEWORTHY

It is our ongoing intent to keep you—our top supporters—informed about local party activities that we believe you will find interesting.

Statewide, the Party nominated over a thousand candidates for a variety of offices with the filing of petitions last week. The State Party alone issued nearly 375 authorizations.

Many noteworthy candidates have emerged as our standard-bearers. As we move forward toward Election Day, I plan to highlight many of them.

Three I wish to bring to your attention this week are:

AARON MARTIN: Our longtime Broome County Chairman, Aaron is the Republican and Conservative Party’s official nominee for Broome County Clerk. You can follow his campaign Facebook page for updates, events, and legislation here. As well as his website here:

MAUD MARON: The Republican and Conservative Party candidate for Manhattan District Attorney running against Alvin Bragg. This well-accomplished nominee is the first candidate to run countywide for the Conservative Party in New York County in over forty years. Her website can be found here.

KRISTINE LYTLE: A registered Conservative and former Deputy Cayuga County Clerk, Kristine is running unopposed in a special election for County Clerk—an election that will flip the position back into the Conservative column. Her campaign page can be found here.

Elise Stefanik Appointment 

Elise Stefanik’s rise to Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a major win for conservatives in New York and across the country. I’ve known Elise for years. She’s smart, tough, and principled—and she’s never shied away from a fight when it mattered most.

Whether it’s taking on the radical left or standing strong for the America First agenda, Elise has led with courage and conviction. She’s not just another voice in the room, she’s a force who gets things done.

This appointment proves that real leadership, grounded in clear values and hard work, still matters in Washington. Elise earned this role by showing exactly what it means to lead with strength and clarity at a time when our nation needs both.

As a friend and a conservative, I couldn’t be prouder. The Conservative Party is fortunate to have her as an ally, and I look forward to continuing our work together as she helps lead the Republican resurgence rooted in principle, common sense, and resolve. You can read our full press release here:

Handcuffing Law Enforcement

Let me tell you about one of the most reckless bills I’ve seen come out of Albany in a long time. Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson have introduced legislation—S3662A / A6331—that would ban police from stopping drivers for a long list of basic vehicle and traffic violations. We’re talking about things like broken headlights and taillights, overly tinted windows, expired registrations and inspections, excessive noise, items blocking the windshield, and even failure to signal before turning.

That’s right—under this bill, police would no longer be allowed to pull someone over for these clear safety violations. And it gets worse.

The bill actually says that if police do make a stop for one of these violations and end up discovering illegal guns, drugs, or even a kidnapped person—the evidence could be thrown out in court. It’s outrageous. These aren’t hypothetical concerns. Serious crimes have been solved because of these so-called “minor” traffic stops.

This is a direct attack on law enforcement. It handcuffs the police, strips them of one of the most basic tools they have to keep our communities safe, and sends a loud message to criminals that the rules no longer apply. I was quoted in the South Shore press saying “This is part of the constant effort of the progressive left in the state legislature to make the criminals victims and the actual victims are somehow the ones causing problems.” 

As Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, I’m calling this bill what it is: garbage. It’s anti-police, anti-safety, and pro-criminal. And we will do everything we can to stop it. You can read the full article and my thoughts here.

NOT AN APRIL FOOL’S JOKE

Governor Hochul’s decision to release prisoners early because of State incompetence is not an April Fool’s Joke.

Hochul, who created a hostile environment for prison staff resulting in a multi week walkout, has fired 2,000 staff members who would not agree to return resulting in the need to shorten the in-prison sentences of tens of thousands of offenders by seven months.  This has all come about at a time when millions in taxpayer dollars are being expended on keeping a large National Guard presence in the prisons.

In New York State the bottom line is that many prison terms for serious crimes are already shorter than they should be.  Few believe that any corrections take place.  Most New Yorkers feel safest when criminals remain behind bars for their full sentence.

The parole board and probation are constantly disappointing.

It’s hard to overstate how badly Governor Hochul and her progressive colleagues in Albany have screwed up New York’s criminal justice system. They turned the greatest crime-fighting state in America into a national laughing stock in a single generation.  Progressivism at its finest. View our full press release here.

                                                            IT’S AUTHROIZATION TIME

The State Executive Committee of the New York State Conservative Party met on Thursday, April 3rd to give permission for candidates not enrolled in the Conservative Party to run for local office in counties that do not have formal county committees and in a few races that cross county lines in New York City.

These are the called Wilson-Pakula’s (named after Senator Wilson and Assemblyman Pakula).  The State party issued over 375 for offices ranging from County Supervisors to Town Councilmembers.

Of course, all of these candidates needed to file petitions.  The Regional Vice Chairmen and locally active party members coordinate with the state party concerning their qualifications.

I want to thank Party Director of Operations, Andrew Davis, for putting in the many hours to bring this all together.

GOOD NEWS FROM FLORIDA

The two Congressional wins in Florida earlier this week guarantee that our NYS seven-member Conservative/GOP delegation will remain in the majority. This is key for America to move forward with the Trump tax cutting agenda as well moving some of his executive orders into statute.

In Wisconsin the loss of the Supreme Court position to a progressive in a non-partisan election was tempered by the voters overwhelmingly passing a change allowing for the use of voter IDs.

Voter Identification requirements were a major part of the President’s Election Integrity Executive Order as well as prohibiting non-citizens from voting and establishing a national data base to be shared with all states reducing the likelihood of fraud.

Marc Molinaro’s Confirmation Hearing

My friend and a tremendous ally to the Conservative Party, Marc Molinaro, had an outstanding Senate hearing for his nomination as the next Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator. When Marc is confirmed, I have no doubt he will hit the ground running on day one. He will work closely with Secretary Duffy to address the corruption and waste within the MTA—something that has long plagued New Yorkers. This past February at CPPAC, we heard first hand from Marc; he is bright and full of ideas. Marc truly understands the transportation challenges our state faces, and he will be an invaluable partner in bringing much-needed reform.

Rochester Police Memo

Rochester has been on the decline for years, and residents are fed up. Democrat policies have destroyed a once great city, and politicians won’t undo their wrongs. From bail reform, discovery law changes, the defund the police movement, not cooperating with ICE, etc. The latest story, which you can find here, has to do with the Mayor of Rochester condemning police officers for simply answering the call of duty to help a Homeland Security Investigation. Yet, Mayor Evans has the nerve to put out a public statement condemning these brave officers who are just doing their jobs. He claims this is against “city policy.” Someone should remind him who occupies the White House.

Mayor Malik Evans is more interested in appeasing political activists than supporting law enforcement. His decision to investigate officers for simply responding to a Homeland Security call for backup is an outrageous attempt to intimidate RPD. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, and they deserve our respect—not politically motivated investigations. We stand with law enforcement and against weak leadership that prioritizes political points over public safety.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Decision to Remain in Congress

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was recently nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. However, given the slim Republican House majority, she and the president have determined that it is in the best interest of the country for her to remain in Congress. While I would have been proud to see her represent our nation on the world stage, I fully support her decision to continue leading in the House. Elise is a proven fighter, and the Conservative Party looks forward to continuing our work with her on key issues. You can view our full press release here:

Activist Judges Undermining the Will of the People

Time and time again, rogue activist judges have sought to obstruct President Trump’s America First agenda—an agenda that reflects the will of the American people. Whether it’s blocking the deportation of violent Venezuelan gang members or halting Trump’s funding freeze for bureaucratic waste, these judges are overstepping their role. The courts should not be used as a tool for partisan interference. The people elected President Trump to enact real change, and he has a clear mandate to secure our borders, enforce the law, and cut government waste. The Conservative Party stands firmly against judicial activism and in support of a government that works for the people—not against them.