State Assembly Member - District 45
Joey Cohen-Saban
A Brooklyn Democratic Party district leader and chief of staff to State Senator Sam Sutton, whose campaign he managed.
Where they stand
Crime, policing and public cannabis use
Supports increased police foot patrols, better community policing initiatives and more resources to address quality-of-life crimes, describing this as smart policing that keeps streets safe while building trust with residents.
Antisemitism and hate crimes
Supports stronger hate-crime enforcement, more security funding for houses of worship and community centers, and education programs against bigotry, and pledges proactive legislation in Albany to protect New Yorkers from rising antisemitism and hate crimes.
School funding and school choice
Wants to increase per-pupil funding, secure capital improvement grants for aging school buildings and make sure nonpublic schools, including yeshivas, receive their share of state education dollars, arguing the district's schools and yeshivas are shortchanged by Albany.
Issues Joey is raising
Migrant shelter placement
Opposes placing migrant shelters in residential neighborhoods without community input and wants Albany to address current New Yorkers' needs, including housing, health care and education, before expanding shelter commitments.
Background
Based in South Brooklyn
Born and raised in South Brooklyn, a first-generation American of Sephardic Jewish heritage, he lost the 2024 race for this seat to Michael Novakhov, 49.4% to 50.2%.
- Brooklyn Democratic Party district leader
- Chief of staff to New York State Senator Sam Sutton; earlier served as Sutton's campaign manager
- Board member of the Sephardic Community Federation
- Graduate of the Yeshivah of Flatbush and The George Washington University, where he led pro-Israel advocacy and campus activism against antisemitism
- Lost the 2024 general election for this seat to Michael Novakhov, 15,151 votes (49.4%) to 15,383 (50.2%)
- In 2024 filed a petition to run on a "Pro-Israel Party" ballot line for this seat while also running as a Democrat
- A campaign-announcement feature in Community Magazine (April 2026) credits him, working with Sen. Sutton, with helping secure $20 million in new funding for religious institutions during the 2025 legislative session
- Advanced from the Democratic primary without appearing on the ballot after the June 23, 2026 primary was canceled
- Married to Florence; they have a son and a daughter
Support
New York City Police Benevolent Association
Union
NYS Troopers Union
Union
Hotel and Gaming Trades Council
Union
Fight Anti-Semitism Party
Also on your ballot on the Fight Anti-Semitism Party line
Money
$151K
raised
Top donors: Trina Cayre, Grace Cayre, Jack Cayre
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 45
