On Tuesday, Kim Keiserman emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for the State Senate’s 7th District, earning a resounding 73% of the vote. Her opponent, Brad Schwartz, was unable to secure enough votes to challenge her.
A Port Washington resident, Keiserman is recognized for her fervent advocacy in the local school district. Her campaign prioritizes education reform, reproductive rights, and environmental protection, which she deems as the topmost concerns affecting her community.
After claiming victory, Keiserman addressed a gathering of her loved ones at her residence and declared her candidacy for the State Senate. She highlighted the significant challenges faced by the people of this district and emphasized the need for a unifying figure who can lead the community towards practical and sustainable solutions. Keiserman emphasized that she is not a politician who panders, sows division, and puts politics above the welfare of the public. Instead, she is committed to serving the people and representing their interests with integrity and dedication.
Keiserman, a first-time candidate, believes that her lack of political experience is compensated by her vast advocacy work and community involvement. She is determined to be a powerful and effective voice for Long Island in Albany.
In November, Jack Martins, the Republican incumbent, will be facing his opponent, who is none other than her.
According to Keiserman, the recent win marks only the start of the challenging journey to turn the seat around. Long Island is a critical battleground in New York, and the efforts made here will have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future and the preservation of democracy. As Keiserman pointed out, the task ahead is not going to be a walk in the park.
Keiserman has stated that her entry into politics was motivated by the election of Donald Trump as president in 2016. She was appalled by his disparaging remarks about women, immigrants, people of color, and the media, and felt compelled to contribute to the struggle for democratic values and morality. Keiserman joined the Port Washington Democratic Club, where she emerged as a key player in grassroots mobilization, including initiatives aimed at removing former U.S. Representative George Santos from office.
Jody Kass Finkel, the founder of Concerned Citizens of NY-03, a group that included Keiserman in their effort to remove Santos from Congress, emphasized Keiserman’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to good governance policies, emphasizing her unimpeachable character.
Finkel expressed his admiration for Kim’s leadership of Concerned Citizens of NY-03, stating that he has witnessed her in action and under pressure. He believes that having her as their representative in Albany would be a stroke of luck, as she brings both integrity and intelligence to the table.
Keiserman has expressed her commitment to protecting and expanding women’s reproductive rights. In the event that she defeats Martins in the general election, she plans to join the bipartisan pro-choice Legislative Caucus as one of her first actions. She strongly advocates for codifying reproductive rights in the state Constitution and ensuring that women have access to comprehensive reproductive care, including pre- and post-natal care.
Keiserman called upon everyone to take action and defend reproductive freedom by embedding it into the New York State Constitution. “It’s high time for us to fight back,” he exclaimed.
During her campaign, Keiserman received noteworthy endorsements, including one from Will Murphy, a candidate for the Assembly in the 15th District. Murphy commended Keiserman’s grasp of local issues and her dedication to ensuring affordable housing, high-quality public schools, and secure communities.
Murphy praised Kim for her ability to understand and tackle problems head-on. He emphasized the importance of having leaders like Kim who can empathize with and address the challenges faced by ordinary people, rather than career politicians who are out of touch.
Marsha Silverman, a councilwoman from Glen Cove, praised Keiserman for taking initiative in comprehending public concerns and for her dedication towards actively involving the community.
According to Silverman, the new member has made an effort to understand the concerns of the public and has invested time in meeting with residents to listen to their opinions. He believes that she will be an excellent collaborator in government, and he is excited to work with her.
While Keiserman acknowledged that challenging the incumbent would be difficult due to Martins’ extensive name recognition and time in public life, she expressed confidence in her ability to compete. She emphasized her strong relationships with the community, which she has developed through listening to residents during frequent visits to events and even grocery stores.
Keiserman stated that during her conversations with voters in the district, she gathered that they seek a representative who is more involved in their community and capable of meeting their specific needs, values, and interests. She plans to convey the message that she will be a dedicated legislator who listens to their concerns and acts as a voice for them in the State Senate. Keiserman aims to deliver for the people of Long Island and be a part of the majority that can make it happen.