In a shocking turn of events, Democrats have managed to pull off a stunner by holding onto a Trump-supporting district in New York.
Sam Sutton has defeated Republican Nachman Caller in a special election for a state Senate seat.
The Brooklyn-based seat, which voted heavily for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, remained under Democrat control despite strong Republican efforts to flip it.
Decision Desk HQ projected Sutton as the winner of the special election for New York’s 22nd State Senate District, beating Caller.
The district, which includes Midwood, Flatbush, and Borough Park in Brooklyn, was previously held by conservative Democrat Simcha Felder, who resigned to join the New York City Council.
What makes this election particularly troubling for Republicans is that the Democrat Party demonstrated its overwhelming organizational advantages in New York City, managing to maintain control despite the area’s conservative leanings.
Sutton, a leader in the Sephardic Community Federation, received significant backing from Democrat leaders, including Representative Ritchie Torres.
His victory makes him the first Sephardic Orthodox Jew elected to the New York State Senate in a generation, a milestone that even Caller acknowledged in his concession.
Caller is a GOP district leader and real estate attorney who had garnered support from prominent Republicans, including Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler.
NEW: With nearly all precincts reported, it's looking like Sam Sutton will be headed to Albany to fill the vacancy left by Simcha Felder's election to NYC Council:
🔵 Sam Sutton – 8234 (66.41%)âś…
đź”´Nachman Caller – 4033 (32.53%) pic.twitter.com/GIygpk9SJD— VoteHub (@VoteHubUS) May 21, 2025
Caller ran on a conservative platform that should have resonated in this Trump-friendly district, but it was not enough to overcome the Democrats’ advantage.
Simcha Felder, who previously held this seat, was known as a conservative Democrat who had actually caucused with the state GOP, making this a particularly valuable seat for Republicans to target.
The district’s significant Orthodox Jewish population was also seen as potentially favorable to conservative candidates.
Sutton’s stated policy priorities, which include “community-based approaches” to public safety, increased school funding, and clean energy initiatives, represent typical progressive Democrat talking points.
This loss highlights ongoing challenges for Republicans in urban areas, even in districts that lean conservative in presidential elections.
The powerful Democrat machine in New York City continues to maintain its grip, even as national trends might suggest opportunities for Republican gains in similar demographics.
For the MAGA movement and Trump supporters, this election serves as a reminder that strong local organization and mobilization will be essential to turn presidential support into down-ballot victories.
