Simcha Felder
| Simcha Felder | |
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| Member of the New York State Senate from the 17th district |
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Assumed office January 1, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | David Storobin |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 44th district | |
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In office January 1, 2002 – January 31, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Noach Dear |
| Succeeded by | David G. Greenfield |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic (caucuses with Republicans) |
| Religion | Jewish |
Simcha Felder is a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 17th District, which includes the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood, Brooklyn Chinatown and parts of Kensington, Bensonhurst, and Gravesend. He was first elected in November 2012, defeating incumbent Republican State Senator David Storobin. Within days of his election, however, Felder announced that despite being elected as a Democrat, he intended to caucus with the Republicans in the New York State Senate.
Felder previously served as deputy comptroller for budget and accounting of the City of New York, having been appointed to the post by Comptroller John Liu on January 5, 2010. He was previously a member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn, representing the 44th Council District, which encompasses parts of Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst. He entered office on January 1, 2002, and was re-elected in 2005 and 2009.
Felder's late father was Rabbi Harry Felder, spiritual leader of Beth Aaron Congregation in Borough Park.
Felder gained popularity among his conservative Jewish constituents for advocating strongly on their behalf, including in matters relating to Israel. Although personally opposed to homosexuality as being against Orthodox Judaism, he backed Christine Quinn for City Council Speaker in what was seen as a political move to gain allies. Although Felder claimed to support Quinn, he said he could not actually vote for her because of religious reasons. When the time came to vote Quinn for Council Speaker, Felder did not cast a vote and took a trip to the restroom. Unlike nearly all other New York Democrats, who identify as being pro-choice, Felder is a staunch opponent of abortion rights.
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