Susan Zhuang wins Democratic primary in new majority Asian NYC Council district

Susan Zhuang, who slammed antisemitism and hostility toward Israel at CUNY, won the three-way Democratic primary in the newly drawn Asian-majority 43rd District in southern Brooklyn.

With 91% of scanners reporting in a low-turnout election, Zhuang, who ran as a moderate Democrat and was endorsed by Citizens Union and many Asian-American activists, received 58% or 1,844 votes to 32% or 1,014 votes for Wai Yee Chan and 9% or 303 votes for education activist Stanley Ng.

The new heavily Asian district covers Bensonhurst, New Utrecht and parts of Dyker Heights and Sunset Park but also includes pockets of more conservative Orthodox Jewish voters.

A first-generation Chinese American, Zhuang worked for many years as chief of staff to Assemblyman William Colton.

“I love my country! I love New York and I love this community here!” Zhuang said on NY1 after declaring victory.

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She said public safety would be a top priority.

“We need to appreciate the police officers’ work. We want to make sure that they are safe so that they can protect us … Public safety .. connect the police department to the community and the clean subway, the subway should be safe and making sure everyone’s safe in our community.”

During the campaign, she blasted Chan for accepting the endorsement of the Professional Staff Congress, the union representing City University of New York professors.

In 2021, PSC passed a one-sided resolution rebuking Israel for recent attacks on Palestinians — adding that it may support the movement to boycott and divest from the Jewish state.

More than 50 faculty members resigned, calling the resolution antisemitic, anti-Jewish and anti-Israel.

“Wai Yee has chosen to stand with anti-Israel and anti-NYPD groups such as PSC CUNY, which endorsed her campaign,” said a defiant Zhuang.

The newly created 43rd District, while containing a majority of Asian-American residents — also includes Orthodox Jewish communities in Bensonhurst and Boro Park.

The anticipated Jewish vote in the primary was 500 – 600 voters out of a total likely turnout of around 4,000 — or upwards of 15% — enough to tilt the outcome and determine the winner in a low-turnout election according to political strategists. Sources said they heavily backed Zhuang.

The three candidates had similar positions on the issues, supporting more funding for police and preserving merit-based education, including the single admission test for acceptance to specialized high schools such as Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

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Zhuang’s victory is also a win for key backers including Colton, former Councilman Mark Treyger and the United Progressive Democratic Club — and a setback for Councilman Justin Brannan and the Bay Ridge Democrats who supported Chan.

Chan used to work for Brannan.

Before announcing her candidacy, Zhuang, a first-generation Chinese-American, was chief of staff to Assemblyman William Colton.

“This is a political earthquake,” Zhuang backer Treyger said Tuesday night.

He praised Zhuang for taking on antisemitism at CUNY and running an inclusive campaign.

Meanwhile, in the Republican primary in the 43rd District, Ying Tan was leading party favorite Vito Labella.

With 95% of the scanners reporting, community activist Tan took 50.5% or 411 votes to Labella’s 47% or 385 votes.

A community activist, Tan vastly outraised and spent Labella, who was backed by the Brooklyn Republican Party establishment.

Labella only got into the race late after Jack Ho backed out after the petition period and the party substituted him.

Tan raised $228,960 in matching funds and had $91,644 to spend down the stretch. Labella only raised $8,290, according to the Campaign Finance Board report.

Tan had a campaign truck that went through the district.

Labella was endorsed by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and 2021 GOP mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Republicans think they have a chance to win the seat in the general election.

“Do we have a shot at winning the general election? Absolutely,” said Brooklyn Republican Party chairman Ted Ghorra.