Sam Sutton, a prominent Sephardic community leader and co-head of the Sephardic Community Federation, has won the special election to replace former State Senator Simcha Felder, who recently vacated his seat after winning a spot on the New York City Council.

Sutton, running as the Democratic nominee, defeated longtime Republican district leader Carl (Nachman) Caller in a closely watched race that will shape the future of South Brooklyn’s representation in Albany. The district includes parts of Boro Park, Midwood, and Flatbush — neighborhoods with large Orthodox Jewish populations.

The victory cements Sutton’s status as a rising political figure in Brooklyn’s Jewish community and marks a major milestone for the Sephardic community, which now sees one of its own holding a seat in the State Senate.

Sutton’s campaign focused on continuing Felder’s legacy of advocating for religious rights, yeshiva education, public safety, and quality-of-life issues affecting the local community.

The special election was triggered after Simcha Felder secured the 44th District City Council seat in a contentious race against political activist Heshy Tishler. Felder fills the vacancy on the Council left by Kalman Yeger, who stepped down after being elected to the New York State Assembly.

Felder’s return to the City Council required Governor Hochul to call a special election to fill his Senate seat, setting up the high-stakes May 20 contest between Sutton and Caller.

With his win, Sutton will serve out the remainder of Felder’s Senate term. He is expected to run for re-election in the next regularly scheduled election to retain the seat.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)