Democrats, Don’t Forget Staten Island

By Alec Pruchnicki

Of all the political races heading to this November’s vote, the one I am most interested in is for the House of Representatives NY-11 District. This includes all of Staten Island, and several areas in Brooklyn such as Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst. This is probably the most Republican district in New York City, and the only one that has a Republican representative in Congress. Although it is heavily Republican, it has voted for Democrats at times with Max Rose being elected in 2018 and President Obama winning it once.

Those exceptions are what encourages me this year. When Rose won in 2018, it was a midyear election and Trump was not too popular. This year’s midterm election has Trump even more unpopular and Democratic turnout soaring in special elections. Eventually, Nicole Malliotakis beat Rose ─ by almost 30 points in their last competition ─ and Trump beat Harris by over 30 points in 2024. But a lot has happened since then. Trump’s disapproval rating has soared as has the cost of gasoline for the car-driving population of Staten Island.

As for Malliotakis, among her first actions in Congress, she voted to question election results from some contested states and voted against impeaching Trump in his second trial. She has been close to Trump on many issues although she questioned a few of his policies without confronting or angering him.

The Democratic nominee opposing her is Mike DeCillis. He is proud of his heritage as a multi-generation Italian American, resident of Staten Island (although Brookly right now), and union member. He worked as an EMS first responder to 9/11 before becoming a New York City police officer. During that time, he obtained a law degree and served in a variety of progressive causes. Earlier in his career, he obtained a master’s degree in education and taught special needs children. His background is one of public service, although never as a professional politician like Malliotakis.

So, how do these two compare on the issues?

Malliotakis was originally a Rubio supporter but when Trump got the nomination, she went along with most Republicans, endorsed him enthusiastically and he endorsed her. She depends on the traditional Republican turn out of the Southern half of Staten Island. If significant numbers of them defect to DeCillis, or just stay home, this midterm election could be a repeat of the 2018 results.

On the issues, DeCillis is consistently progressive. He supports Medicare for All, affordability, defense of the Department of Education and its programs from Trump cuts and attempted destruction, and the defense of democracy in its fight with Trump’s totalitarian policies. His website, decillisforcongress.com, has more details.

How do these two compare on the strengths and weaknesses of their campaigns, the so-called horse race issues?

Malliotakis has a hold on the traditional Republican voters of Staten Island, minus the defectors and abstainers. DeCillis has presumed good support in the one third of the district which is in Brooklyn, some of the Northern parts of Staten Island, and with independent voters who national polls indicate are hostile to Republicans. Several city-wide Democratic clubs like Jim Owles, Stonewall Democrats, and young Democrats have endorsed him.

Although he has been a strong supporter of unions, I’m not sure if the civil service-related unions have endorsed him. His background as an EMS worker, police officer, and teacher should have gained some union support ─ maybe from members and not necessarily the union hierarchy. I imagine there are many city employees who live in Staten Island, including the Republican areas, who might consider him to be an alternative to Malliotakis and the union-hating party she represents.

Finally, for now, DeCillis’ Italian American heritage should be taken into account. Although they favor Republican candidates, it is not overwhelming and there are many who vote as independents. Staten Island has the highest percentage of Italian Americans (25-40%) of any county in the U.S. His Facebook page has many posts about attending Italian neighborhood feasts, and he seems to be proud of this heritage. Even Republican, independent, or apathetic Italian Americans can be proud of their heritage and display symbolic ethnicity (See “The Symbolic Ethnicity of San Gennaro” September Village View) by voting for one of their own.

There is a lot at stake in this election besides the chance to flip the House of Representatives. Malliotakis is the only Republican representative of New York City. If the election actually flips this district to the Democrats, it is the type of story that can make the NY Times or other major media (aka “legacy” media) finally pay attention. If this Trump over Harris margin of more than 30% in 2024 can be changed to a Democratic victory, and get the corresponding media attention, it will encourage Democrats throughout the country, even in the deep Republican areas, to join the fight and run in their areas. The presidential election of 2028 will come quickly and a dramatic Democratic victory can build the momentum we need for that race.

The possibility of flipping this district joins many other races occurring throughout the region. My political club, the Village Independent Democrats (villagedemocrats.org), is working with Vote Blue (votebluenyc.org) to support about a half dozen contested districts. This involvement can include boarding buses to travel to contested districts and canvassing for local Democratic candidates. Knocking on doors and discussing issues one on one with voters is one of the most grass roots methods of political organizing. These websites have information about this election cycle and may also be helpful for the next cycle in 2028. Get involved.