Midterm blue wave expands New York state legislature’s ‘shomer shabbos caucus’

The Jerusalem PostIndependentCenterNov 5

Following the November 2026 midterm elections, the number of Orthodox Jewish members in the New York state legislature reached a record high of 11, according to the Shomer Shabbos caucus. Three new legislators joined the body, including Democrat Pesach Osina in Queens, Democrat Lisa Vider in Long Island, and Democrat Joey Cohen-Saban in South Brooklyn. Cohen-Saban defeated Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov in a rematch, a race characterized by Novakhov’s warnings regarding anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party. While these pro-Israel candidates secured victories, the article notes that left-wing candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America also gained seats in the state legislature. Additionally, several other Jewish candidates outside the Orthodox caucus, such as anti-Zionist attorney David Orkin, won elections across New York.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of election results, citing specific quotes from both pro-Israel and anti-Zionist candidates without using loaded language or favoring one ideological side over the other.

The Times of IsraelIndependentConservativeNov 5

Following the recent midterm elections, the 'Shomer Shabbos' caucus within the New York state legislature expanded to a record 11 members, primarily due to Democratic victories in districts with significant Orthodox Jewish populations. Notable wins include Pesach Osina in Queens, Lisa Vider in Long Island, and Joey Cohen-Saban in South Brooklyn, where Cohen-Saban defeated Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov. Novakhov had campaigned on concerns regarding rising anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party, whereas Cohen-Saban positioned himself as a pro-Israel candidate and opponent of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Concurrently, the number of Democratic Socialist Alliance-backed officials in the state legislature increased, including the election of David Orkin, an anti-Zionist attorney and member of Jewish Voice for Peace. This shift highlights a complex dynamic where traditional religious Jewish representation grows alongside the rise of progressive, often critical-of-Israel, political factions.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the expansion of the religious caucus through the lens of pro-Israel advocacy and explicitly contrasts these figures with 'anti-Zionist' and DSA-backed candidates, using terminology like 'blue wave' and highlighting conflicts over Israel policy rather than neutral legislative outcomes.

The Times of IsraelIndependentConservativeNov 4

Following a historic midterm election where Democrats secured control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives, prominent Democratic Socialist figures emphasized anti-Zionist platforms and demands for an immediate arms embargo against Israel. Incoming representatives and senators, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, Melat Kiros, and Abdul El-Sayed, issued statements calling for the cessation of US military aid, accountability for alleged war crimes, and recognition of the Palestinian right of return. The article notes that these positions go beyond President Donald Trump’s announcement to end military aid, indicating a shift in the political baseline within the Democratic Party. It argues that this electoral outcome will increase hostility toward Israel in Congress and local politics, sustaining pressure on Israeli allies regardless of future diplomatic developments or changes in Israeli leadership.

Bias read (Conservative): Uses loaded terms like 'far left' and 'blowout,' frames anti-Zionism as a hostile threat, and omits counter-perspectives on the humanitarian crisis.