By Eddie Esses and Sari Setton
The upcoming November election cycle in New York represents a pivotal moment for our community: one defined not only by political contests, but by the continued rise of Sephardic representation and influence at the highest levels of state government. At the center of this movement stand Sam Sutton, up for re-election to the NY State Senate, and Joey Saban, now running for NY State Assembly after serving as Senator Sutton’s Chief of Staff.
Together, they have built one of the most effective, outspoken, and impactful legislative operations in New York. And the results speak for themselves.
A Record of Results: Senator Sam Sutton
For over 20 years, Sam Sutton served as the co-founder and President of the Sephardic Community Federation (SCF), delivering tens of millions of dollars in government funding to our community and advocating across government for our community’s biggest priorities. Last year, he took his public service to the next level with his successful bid for a seat in the NY State Senate.
In a short time thus far in office, Senator Sutton has delivered tangible, meaningful results for our community on a scale rarely seen. Most notably, he secured $20 million in security funding for religious institutions, ensuring that our schools, synagogues, and community institutions are protected in an increasingly dangerous environment. Additionally, he has brought millions more in direct funding to our community’s institutions – resources that strengthen education, social services, and communal infrastructure.
Legislatively, Sen. Sutton has proven equally effective. He successfully passed multiple bills through the Senate in a very short time frame, demonstrating both policy leadership and the ability to navigate Albany’s complex political landscape. He played a key role in defeating the City Council’s COPA bill, taking a firm stand against anti-business policies that would have harmed our community and our businesses.
Looking forward, his diligence continues with the major Buffer Zone bill, a critical initiative he introduced to create buffer zones around houses of worship to protect worshipers from intimidation and harassment. The bill is now being incorporated into the State Budget, an extraordinary achievement that underscores his growing influence in Albany.
The Force Behind the Scenes: Joey Saban
While Senator Sutton has led from the front, much of this success has been powered behind the scenes by Joey Saban. As Chief of Staff, Saban has been instrumental in turning vision into reality – coordinating legislative strategy, managing negotiations, and ensuring that priorities become policy.
From securing historic funding to advancing complex legislation, Saban’s role cannot be overstated. His deep understanding of both the community and the political system has made him a driving force in these accomplishments. Now, as he steps forward to run again for State Assembly, he brings with him not only experience, but a proven track record of getting big things done.
By example, Saban initiated and coordinated the press conference with the governor after the anti-Semitic Swastika incident at Magen David, which led to securing the $20M in security funding for religious institutions. He’s also been the driving force behind the Buffer Zone Bill, coordinating the language of the bill and the full strategy behind passing it.
Looking Ahead: The Election That Matters
While primary elections will take place in June, both Sutton and Saban enter this phase without challengers – a testament to the strength of their campaigns and the broad support they have already built.
That means the real contest lies ahead in the general election this November.
We know that elections are not won in a single day – they are built over months of grassroots effort. Every community member has an opportunity to play a role, whether by volunteering time or making a contribution. Thanks to New York’s public matching system, even small donations are amplified 9-to-1, turning modest support into a powerful force.
A Defining Moment for Our Community
What Sutton and Saban have accomplished together goes far beyond legislation and funding. They have transformed our community’s civic engagement, elevating our voice, our presence, and our influence in ways that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
They have shown that our community can organize, lead, and win – not just for ourselves, but as a major force within New York politics. The path forward is clear. The leadership is proven. And the moment is ours to seize.