Crown Heightser Announces Run for Assembly
Ahron Gluck has announced his candidacy in the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 43, seeking to represent the greater Crown Heights and East Flatbush neighborhoods. Gluck is positioning himself as a young community activist focused on neighborhood engagement, coalition-building, and increasing local participation in the political and legislative processes shaping the community.
Ahron and his family reside in Crown Heights. He is a local small business owner and an energetic activist known among community members for building relationships by attending community board meetings and rolling up his sleeves to advocate for Crown Heights.
Gluck is running against incumbent Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, whom he criticizes for failing to represent the concerns of many residents in local government and for rarely taking action on issues affecting the Jewish community. Among the issues Gluck highlights are Cunningham’s support for what he describes as an oversaturation of homeless shelters in the district, the proposed protected bike lanes on Kingston and Brooklyn Avenues, and what Gluck says is the Assemblyman’s refusal to take action regarding several local concerns.
These concerns include the attempted demolition of Kingsbrook Shul, a proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus route on Albany Avenue that some residents fear could endanger students attending United Lubavitcher Yeshiva, and broader legislative efforts in Albany that critics say negatively impact yeshivas.
Gluck’s campaign also points to the timing of the election. Because the race will take place during a non-presidential and non-gubernatorial primary—when voter turnout is historically lower—supporters believe that the large number of eligible Lubavitch voters in the district could play a decisive role and potentially make history by electing a candidate from within the community.
Crown Heights has a proud and historic Jewish community with deep roots, strong educational institutions, and a long tradition of civic engagement. From families raising children in the neighborhood to yeshivas, shuls, small businesses, and community organizations, the Jewish community plays a central role in the life and character of Assembly District 43.
Gluck says his vision as Assembly Member is grounded in ensuring that the voices and needs of both the Jewish and African-American residents of Crown Heights and East Flatbush are fully represented within the Democratic Party and in state government.
During the 2022 Democrat primary, which was a non-presidential primary just like this year’s will be, the total voter turnout for our district was 11,237 votes. Although that year there was a highly contested Gubernatorial primary (which brought out even more votes), this year there is not. The highest estimate given is 15,000 voters that are expected to turnout in our district during this primary. All that is needed for a Jewish candidate to win is 7,500 votes which is well within reach for the Lubavitcher community if every eligible member of Anash that will be turning 18 years or older, including Chabad Americans originally from out of town but currently living in Crown Heights, are registered to vote as a Democrat.
In order to vote in this Democratic primary election which takes place during this years June primary, one must be Register to vote as a Democrat.
Yosef
It’s time to support our own and stop letting self appointed leaders tell us whom to vote for. Time and again, candidates we backed turned out to be vicious antisemites who harm Jews and Eretz Yisroel. That is a Chilul Hashem in the name of our community. If we unite and support our own, even if we lose, others will learn to respect and support us when they see our numbers and unity.