Frum Far Rockaway Candidate Pesach Osina Wins 23rd Assembly District

Pesach Osina, a longtime frum community activist and Democratic political figure from Far Rockaway, has won election to the New York State Assembly, defeating Republican Thomas Sullivan in the 23rd Assembly District and securing a significant political victory for the Orthodox Jewish community in Queens.

Osina’s victory in Tuesday’s election will send him to Albany as the successor to retiring Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, who chose not to seek another term after representing the district for a decade.

The newly elected assemblyman prevailed in a closely watched contest encompassing Far Rockaway, Rockaway Park, Howard Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods, where voters from diverse political and demographic backgrounds were courted by both campaigns.

For the frum community of Far Rockaway, Osina’s election carries particular significance. A familiar figure in local political and communal affairs, Osina has maintained close relationships with community leaders and has been involved in efforts to address the needs of Orthodox Jewish families and institutions.

His victory gives the community a representative with firsthand familiarity with the challenges facing frum residents, including yeshiva education, public safety, transportation, housing affordability, and government services.

Osina’s road to Albany began with a competitive Democratic primary in June, when he defeated Mike Scala with approximately 61 percent of the vote. That victory established him as the Democratic nominee for the open Assembly seat and positioned him for a difficult general-election contest.

Sullivan, an Army veteran running on the Republican and Conservative lines, entered the race with considerable name recognition after previously challenging Pheffer Amato. His strong showing in earlier elections made the district a significant battleground for both political parties.

The race drew particular attention because the 23rd District has demonstrated Republican strength in recent elections, making Osina’s victory especially consequential for Democrats seeking to retain the seat.

Pheffer Amato supported Osina’s candidacy, helping provide continuity between the outgoing assemblywoman and her successor.

Osina’s election also reflects the increasing political involvement of Orthodox Jewish residents in Queens, where frum communities have become an important constituency in local and state elections.

As a member of the Assembly, Osina will have an opportunity to advocate directly for the district’s schools, families, businesses, and communal institutions while participating in the broader legislative debates affecting New York State.

He will take office in January, joining the growing number of elected officials with close ties to New York’s Orthodox Jewish communities.