The other winners likely to emerge tonight

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Jun 25, 2024 View in browser   By Jeff Coltin, Nick Reisman and Emily Ngo With help from Rich Mendez Longtime District Attorney David Soares is one of several moderate Democrats who could see wins in today's elections. | Tim Roske/AP It’s not just the winner of the high-profile Latimer-Bowman primary with something to gain in today’s New York primary. Party factions, fellow politicians and outside spenders who aligned themselves with contenders across the state — or worked furiously against their rivals — can claim success by extension. Here are some OTHER winners likely to emerge after polls close tonight: THE MODERATES: After years of high-profile gains by left-leaning New York Democrats, the moderate wing of the party is poised to fight back. In Albany County, longtime District Attorney David Soares has positioned himself as an opponent of criminal justice law changes sought by liberal activists. On Long Island, former CNN commentator John Avlon, an adviser to Rudy Giuliani during his time as New York City mayor, has locked up the support of state Democratic chair Jay Jacobs and other party leaders. And George Latimer, a veteran officeholder in Westchester County, has dominated the polls as he tries to wrest the Democratic nomination away from two-term Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a Squad member and Israel critic. “The pendulum is starting to swing back,” Jason Elan, a Democratic former staffer for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, told Playbook. “It’s a national phenomenon and it’s happening in New York as well.” Boosting moderates is a strategy that comes two years after Republicans made gains in the New York City suburbs. Polls show independent voters have continued to side with GOP arguments on crime and the migrant crisis — spelling potential trouble for Democrats. Victories by moderates could also be comforting news for President Joe Biden, who has tangled with the far left over his support for Israel. The president is struggling in polls nationally and has a mere 8-point advantage over former President Donald Trump in New York. — Nick Reisman THE ENDORSERS: Sure, one of their own might lose his primary, but members of the Democratic delegation have taken local candidates under their wing and could earn some credit with wins. Rep. Jerry Nadler is out stumping for Assembly candidate Micah Lasher on the Upper West Side, and the representative’s name is all over his lit. A big win would prove Nadler is as strong of a brand as Zabar’s — and the partnership has fueled rumors Lasher is positioning himself as a successor upon Nadler’s inevitably looming retirement. Rep. Adriano Espaillat has picked a fight with Black leaders by endorsing two Latino allies challenging Black Assembly incumbents — but he didn’t build his Squadriano by playing it safe. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has given her seal of approval to Assembly challengers Claire Valdez and Jonathan Soto, who used to work for her. Rep. Greg Meeks is battling her candidate, as Queens Dems leader, in an Assembly race, but his biggest priorities are making sure old foe Hiram Monserrate doesn’t win a legislative seat and keeping Judge Cassandra Johnson in the Surrogate’s Court. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — who largely stayed out of the Bowman race after an initial endorsement — badly wants to deal DSA a blow in Bed-Stuy by keeping Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman in office. He’s also lent his name to a pair of county-aligned district leader candidates in Coney Island. And then there’s Rep. Ritchie Torres. While he didn’t formally endorse Latimer, he’s made his preference clear, and will surely be making a multitweet victory speech if Bowman loses. — Jeff Coltin THE SPECIAL INTERESTS: A defeat for Bowman would be a win for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, period. Bowman and his hard-left coalition have fought ferociously against record-high outside spending via GOP mega-donors, framing the primary as “the many, not the money.” And “the money” is the staggering $14.8 million that AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has spent in the primary to flex its muscle and send a message about its commitment to pro-Israel candidates. (Whether the lobby could have targeted a vulnerable Bowman with far less spending is an open question.) In state legislative races, it’s been the pro-charter school New Yorkers for a Balanced Albany that has sought to tip the scale, supporting Zinerman, Taylor Darling and others with a $1.2 million total spend. Like AIPAC, New Yorkers for a Balanced Albany has also supported Republican candidates. Latimer, who has benefited from the AIPAC onslaught, was asked recently on the campaign trail about reversing Citizens United — the Supreme Court decision that threw open the door to unlimited outside spending in campaigns. He responded that Bowman was also boosted by independent expenditures, saying, “So if you want to clean the whole thing up, I’m for cleaning the whole thing up.” — Emily Ngo HAPPY PRIMARY DAY! IT’S TUESDAY. Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman.   THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists. Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY.     WHERE’S KATHY? In New York City with no public schedule. WHERE’S ERIC? Delivering remarks at the end-of-year ceremony for the NYC Junior Ambassadors’ Program, then holding a press conference. After that, the mayor is participating in PFNYC Business Leaders Town Hall and then voting in today's primary election. Adams will finish the day off with an appearance on WHCR 90.3 FM’s Rhythm and Soul Radio. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s called organizing. And it’s fun as hell.” — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, responding on X to Fox News and right-wing criticism of her high-energy antics at a Bowman rally. ABOVE THE FOLD City Council insiders worry that changes made by Mayor Eric Adams' Charter Revision Commission will be used to block or delay legislation. | Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit CHARTER CHATTER: Speaker Adrienne Adams went even further with her criticism of Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission Monday calling the effort “a poorly constructed attempt to attack the City Council and its oversight of the executive branch” that “has made a mockery of a very serious process.” That statement came after the commission released its preliminary report Monday, suggesting it would propose changes to the current legislative process. The focus would be on better assessing the fiscal impact of legislation, in keeping with the mayor’s arguments that council legislation has created unfunded mandates for City Hall. But council insiders fear his administration would use new processes to delay or block legislation entirely. That discussion still lacks specifics. The report did not include any draft ballot proposals, only generalities. Changes to ranked-choice voting and other electoral reforms will not be considered by the commission. It will, however, consider charter changes related to contracting with businesses owned by minorities and women. “Enough of the rhetoric on MWBEs,” Commission Chair Carlo Scissura told Playbook about the new topic. “Let’s see if we can really do a meaningful and impactful, solid focus for MWBE firms in New York City.” The report also included some more technical changes the commission will consider. “Nobody understands why (the Department of Small Business Services) does waterfront permitting,” Scissura said. “So let’s fix that.” — Jeff Coltin CITY HALL: THE LATEST Mayor Adams has mostly stayed out of today's competitive primaries, only endorsing Assemblymember Ron Kim. | Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office ONLY 364 DAYS AWAY: Mayor Adams was out fundraising the night before the primary — for his own reelection. He was hosted by Ali El Husseini and Kristina Gould, both leaders at Medici Land Governance, a company that puts property ownership on the blockchain — and that is looking for municipal government contracts. An invite shared by Adams fundraising volunteer Alisa Roever directed donors to both his campaign website (max donation $2,100), and his legal defense fund (max donation $5,000). Doing a joint fundraiser would almost certainly run afoul of laws governing both accounts — but Adams’ lawyer Vito Pitta told Playbook it was a mistake. “That is an incorrect flyer,” he said of the invite. “It was revised. It is a campaign event,” and not for the legal defense trust. Adams has “been an unwavering leader” that flyer read, “consistently advocating for the rights and safety of the Jewish community.” Adams has kept his distance from competitive primaries, only publicly endorsing Assemblymember Ron Kim in his reelection battle. And while a heatwave hit New York, Adams spent the weekend in the Hamptons, A campaign spokesperson did not respond when asked if he held any fundraisers there. One of Adams’ likely primary challengers, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, was also fundraising Monday night at the Plaza on Central Park South, in the home of aide-turned-fashion designer Renee Cafaro. And state Sen. Zellnor Myrie is hosting his own mayoral campaign fundraiser on primary night Tuesday, a spokesperson said. — Jeff Coltin HOT ADAMS SUMMER: The mayor’s office is branding this the “Summer of Possibility” in a new campaign meant to show that things are great in the city, actually. It comes one year out from that aforementioned reelection. First in Playbook, a rhyming, Dr. Suessian video highlights streets blocked off to cars, outdoor dining, free concerts, city hiring halls, and expanded summer school programs. — Jeff Coltin More from the city: — The Adams administration is paving community compost paradise for a parking lot, under the Queensboro Bridge. (Hell Gate) — The administration is also looking for a corporate sponsor for the NYC Ferry system, a potential revenue source that could plug some holes. (Crain’s) — A few ideas on who would have been on Adams’ haters list. (City & State) NEW FROM PLANET ALBANY Democrats Tom Drumm and Chris Ryan are running to represent the Syracuse area in the state Senate. | Hans Pennink/AP CENTRAL NEW YORK SCUFFLE: Big Tech, along with state and federal officials have placed a sizable bet on the Syracuse area. Democrats Tom Drumm and Chris Ryan want to represent the area in the state Senate. Both men are squaring off the Democratic nomination for a seat being vacated by House candidate John Mannion (who himself is in a Democratic primary against Sarah Klee Hood). The district is bracing for a major expansion by Micron Technology, a semiconductor manufacturing firm that has benefitted from state and federal support to expand its operations in the Syracuse suburbs. The company is coming to an area of the state that has struggled economically and with population loss. Both candidates acknowledge the largesse from the private and public sectors will create challenges. “There’s going to be labor issues, labor shortages, labor workforce issues,” Ryan, a member of the Onondaga County Legislature, told Playbook. “We have challenges including access to health care and health care providers.” Drumm, a former Oswego County legislator, said he would pursue greater transparency for economic development projects. “We’ve taken a strong focus on just trying to show up as much as possible,” Drumm said in an interview, pointing to a field, door-knocking and mail operation.”We’re trying to get in front of as many voters as possible.” And neither are exactly champing at the bit to get Hochul’s endorsement (she has stayed neutral in primaries, perhaps to the relief of many Democrats). “If the governor wants to endorse, we would certainly take her endorsement,” Drumm said. “To be honest, it’s not where our focus is.” Added Ryan: “I certainly look forward to working with the executive branch of government in the best interest of the citizens of the Senate district.” — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — A bill meant to expand retail worker protections is heading to Hochul’s desk. (Times Union) — Many of the legislative primaries are focusing on hyper-local issues. (NY1) — Groups funded by charter schools and real estate are spending big in primary battles. (City & State) NEW YORK STATE OF MIND — The Nassau County Legislature voted in favor of a ban that bars transgender girls and women from participating in local sports teams. (Gothamist) — Why are so many migrant kids selling candy in NYC? Lack of child care, a survey says. (Gothamist) — New York City officials and community boards didn’t open their offices as cooling centers during the weekend heat wave, despite a direct appeal from Adams’ administration. (New York Post)   Understand 2024’s big impacts with Pro’s extensive Campaign Races Dashboard, exclusive insights, and key coverage of federal- and state-level debates. Focus on policy. Learn more.     SOCIAL DATA Edited by Daniel Lippman MEDIAWATCH — Charlotte Klein is joining N.Y. Mag as a features writer covering the media. She previously was a media reporter at Vanity Fair. MAKING MOVES: Ian Allen has joined J Strategies as VP of public affairs. He most recently was director of policy and development at the New Jersey Primary Care Association … National Sentencing Resource Counsel Director Juval Scott is joining the Bronx Defenders as executive director. WEEKEND WEDDING — Casin Spero, VP of government relations at Lobbyit and an alum of the Trump VA and Labor Dept., on Saturday married Maria Papakonstantinou, comms consultant at MKP Strategies and is an alum of Dr. Oz, Neil Cavuto and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.). The couple met through their mutual friend Maria Giannopoulos and went out on a first date to dLeña in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of D.C. They got married at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Pic ... Another pic SPOTTED: Sean Doocey, Cam Henderson, Emma Doyle, Peter O’Rourke, Dan Hanlon, Jenna LaMagna, Sasha Mitchell-Fuller, Cheryl Crowley, Bryn McCarthy, Lindsey Curnutte and Jeff Naft, Harry Fones, Cate Dillon, Maria Giannopoulos and Ashley Mocarski. WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Emily Stephenson, deputy managing editor at The Assembly and a POLITICO, WSJ and Reuters alum, and Brian Austin, a senior data scientist at Ledger Investing, on June 18 welcomed Edwin Henry Austin, who came in at 9 lbs 12 oz and joins big sisters Adeline and Maisie. Pic … Another pic — Molly Young, a book critic at the New York Times, and Teddy Blanks, a founder of design firm CHIPS (and who most famously did the Barbie movie logo), recently welcomed Thelma Blanks. Pic ... Another pic  HAPPY BIRTHDAY: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton … Jon Del Giorno … Justice Sonia Sotomayor (7-0) …the NY Post’s Reuven Fenton … Lime’s Russell Murphy … CNN’s Betsy Klein … Narrative Strategies’ Patrick O’Connor … Patrick Temple-West … Dan Meyers of APCO Worldwide … John Randall of Burson … Erik Lin-Greenberg … John Heilprin … Avital Mintz-Morgenthau … (WAS MONDAY): Nelson Peltz ... Sy Sternberg … Spencer Freedman Missed Monday’s New York Playbook PM? We forgive you. Read it here.   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters Follow us

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