Former New York Governor and independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo delivers an emotional concession speech after losing to Democrat Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race. Reflecting on unity, law and order, and New York’s diverse spirit, Cuomo urged supporters to “unite for New York.”
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In one of the closest local races of the season, Orthodox Jewish Mayor Steven Meiner won re-election to lead Miami Beach, Florida, edging out Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez by a margin of 51% to 49%.
Meiner, who left a successful legal career to enter public service, emphasized his achievements since taking office in 2023. He pointed to a decline in overall crime, progress in tackling homelessness, and efforts to attract new business ventures as proof of his administration’s effectiveness.
His opponent, Rosen Gonzalez—a Miami Beach native and college professor—conceded that crime rates have fallen but argued that certain violent offenses remain a concern. She urged a renewed focus on issues like the economy, clean water, safety, and public transportation, saying the city’s next phase of growth requires forward-looking leadership.
After securing his narrow victory, Meiner expressed appreciation to the community that re-elected him. “I am grateful to the voters for their confidence and support,” he said, vowing to build upon his first term’s priorities of strengthening public safety, bolstering economic expansion, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
{Matzav.com}
it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Faiga Sorotzkin a”h, who was niftar at Tel Hashomer Hospital.
She was the mother of Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, rosh yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, who leads a vast network of yeshivos, kollelim, and chinuch institutions in Eretz Yisroel.
Rebbetzin Sorotzkin was the wife of Rav Binyomin Sorotzkin, and a daughter-in-law of Rav Boruch Sorotzkin zt”l, rosh yeshivasTelshe.
She was a woman of deep emunah and regal bearing, dedicating her life fully to Torah and the spiritual growth of her children and grandchildren.
Rebbetzin Sorotzkin personified the devoted eishes chayil. With quiet strength and unwavering bitachon, she supported her husband in his avodas hakodesh and raised her children to become ovdei Hashem and marbitzei Torah of the highest caliber. Her son, Rav Shalom Ber, carries forth that legacy as one of the most dynamic builders of Torah in Eretz Hakodesh. Under his leadership, Ateres Shlomo has grown to encompass numerous institutions throughout Eretz Yisroel.
Known for her warmth, wisdom, and refined middos, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin was deeply respected by all who knew her. Her life was one of quiet dignity, devoted entirely to serving Hashem and His Torah, to her family, and to the countless talmidim who were like her own children.
She leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom are prominent bnei Torah and marbitzei Torah in Eretz Yisroel and beyond.
Yehi zichrah boruch.
{Matzav.com}
Brooklyn voters once again placed their trust in Simcha Felder, handing him a resounding re-election as councilman for New York City’s 44th District.
Felder secured 18,532 votes—an overwhelming 84.62% of all ballots cast—solidifying his position as one of the city’s most trusted and enduring political figures.
His opponent, Heshy Tischler, drew 3,280 votes, representing 14.98% of the total count.
More than 20,000 residents turned out to vote, a strong showing that highlighted the community’s engagement and interest in local representation.
{Matzav.com}
Rockland County residents headed to the polls in impressive numbers today, reshaping parts of the local political map and reaffirming confidence in familiar faces.
In Spring Valley, Yosef Hersch Gross and Yakov Yosef Kaufman earned decisive victories in the race for Trustee.
The mayoral seat in Spring Valley changed hands as Schenley Vital was elected to lead the village.
Over in District 13, voters placed their confidence in Moshe Hopstein, who captured his legislative seat with a campaign centered on responsiveness to residents’ everyday concerns.
At the town level, Supervisor Michael Specht was re-elected, highlighting voter approval of his tenure and his focus on steady, practical governance. Specht’s win cements his role in continuing to guide the town’s ongoing development and infrastructure improvements.
Meanwhile, County Executive Ed Day secured another term in office, vowing to keep Rockland County on a path of financial stability while safeguarding the public services that residents rely upon.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump reacted Tuesday night to Republican losses in several key elections, attributing the results to his absence from the ballot and lingering effects of the recent government shutdown.
In a post on his Truth Social platform at 10:05 p.m., Trump wrote:
“TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,” according to Pollsters.
The comment came as early returns showed Democrats making gains in several competitive races across the country. Trump’s statement appeared to reference both the GOP’s lack of a unifying national candidate in off-year contests and voter frustration over the economic and political fallout of the federal shutdown that ended last month.
{Matzav.com}
Lakewood, NJ — Election results from Tuesday’s closely watched races show continued Republican dominance in Lakewood’s local government.
In the Lakewood Township Committee contest, Republican Isaac Akerman easily secured reelection with 16,841 votes, defeating Democrat Harriet Goldberg, who received 1,740.
For the Board of Fire Commissioners, Moshe B. Raitzik led the field with 4,696 votes, followed by Eliyahu Berger with 3,958 and Larry S. Loigman with 2,824.
In the Board of Education elections, Meir Grunhut and Shlomie Stern both won comfortably, with 14,010 and 14,000 votes respectively. Results for the third available Board of Education seat were not yet posted.
{Matzav.com}
Chris Pollak has captured a seat on the Jackson, NJ Township Council in a close and hard-fought election that reflected deep divisions within the community. The victory came after a campaign marked by sharp rhetoric and a stark split in voter support, with most Orthodox Jewish residents backing Pollak’s opponent, Al Couceiro.
Orthodox Jewish voters overwhelmingly supported Al Couceiro, while non-Jewish and “Jackson Strong” voters largely rallied behind Pollak.
Pollak, who has publicly aligned himself with the “Jackson Strong” faction of local politics, has been a vocal critic of what he calls unchecked development and government mismanagement. The “Jackson Strong” group, however, has also drawn criticism for frequently framing Orthodox Jewish population growth as the source of all local challenges.
Before entering politics, Pollak gained attention under the moniker “Dark Guardian,” a self-styled vigilante who patrolled New York City streets years ago to deter crime. His campaign in Jackson focused on reforming local governance, tightening zoning enforcement, and opposing what he described as “corporate takeovers and irresponsible development.”
Among his stated policy goals were promoting what he called “responsible development,” expanding buffer zones to preserve neighborhoods, and raising developer fees to fund infrastructure improvements. Pollak also vowed to “strengthen code enforcement,” target illegal rentals and lawn parking, and bolster local police in enforcing traffic and quality-of-life ordinances.
His platform further called for strict term limits — two terms for both mayor and council members — and an expansion of conflict-of-interest laws. He also advocated for greater transparency in township decision-making and more direct engagement with residents through open town halls.
On zoning issues, Pollak pledged to ensure what he termed “one set of rules for everyone,” opposing special variances and calling for clearer definitions to prevent overcrowding in residential areas. His campaign repeatedly emphasized accountability, public disclosure, and communication as key to “building a government that works.”
{Matzav.com}
Follow live election results here on Matzav.com from across New York and New Jersey as they come in. This stream features real-time vote counts, full candidate speeches and analysis from the Fox, NBC and NY1. Track the NYC mayoral and NJ governor races as the night unfolds, with updates direct from the newsroom and the field.
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