BY MOSHE HILL COMMUNITY CORNER AUGUST 28 2024
In the complex, ever-shifting landscape of New York politics, few candidates embody the confluence of experience, resilience, and deep community ties like Thomas Sullivan. As he makes his second bid for the New York State Assembly in District 23, which covers the southern reaches of Queens and the Rockaways, Sullivan is both a familiar face and a determined challenger, intent on addressing the critical issues that affect his constituents.
Sullivan, who narrowly lost the 2022 election by just 15 votes after a grueling post-election legal battle, is back with a message honed by the lessons of that experience. “We worked awfully hard to have it decided by the court,” he reflects, his disappointment still palpable, “We were on election night by 268 votes. 54 days and three court appearances later, she won by 15 votes.” But far from being discouraged, this near-miss has only strengthened his resolve. “There was nothing we could say or do as they chopped away week after week, month after month. I certainly couldn’t give up at that point,” he says, underscoring his decision to run again.
At the heart of Sullivan’s campaign is a platform that he describes as a blend of Republican, Conservative, and “Common Sense” principles—a trifecta that he believes resonates across party lines. Indeed, Sullivan’s previous close race is a testament to his appeal beyond traditional Republican voters. “There’s no way I could come that close without Democrats voting for me,” he asserts, emphasizing his ability to connect with a broad spectrum of the electorate.
Sullivan’s extensive background spans over 30 years in the financial services industry, three decades in the Army Reserve, and experience as a small business owner. This diverse resume, he argues, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing New Yorkers. His time in the military, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and served in three combat deployments, has imbued him with a deep sense of discipline and leadership. Meanwhile, his tenure as a small business owner in Rockville Centre has given him firsthand knowledge of the burdens that taxes and regulations can place on entrepreneurs.
One of Sullivan’s most passionate issues is border security, particularly in light of the migrant crisis affecting New York City. With a migrant camp situated near his district, Sullivan speaks from a place of proximity and concern. He argues that sanctuary city and state policies exacerbate problems related to human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the spread of communicable diseases. “Over 107,000 Americans died in 2023 of fentanyl, 95% of which came through the southern border,” Sullivan points out, drawing a stark comparison between the death toll of the Vietnam War and the ongoing opioid crisis. “The Vietnam War had 85,000 casualties, and it almost tore this country apart,” he lamented. “That was 10 years. This is 1 year.” His critique of New York’s handling of the migrant situation is blunt: “Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams invited this and incentivized this.”
Crime is another focal point for Sullivan. While official statistics may suggest that crime is down, he is skeptical, noting that serious offenses like rape and murder have risen. He points to the troubling trend of crimes being downgraded in the courts, leading to what he describes as a breakdown in law and order. “I’ve been to the precincts,” he said. “They’re making arrests, but now it goes to court, and felonies are getting knocked down to misdemeanors, misdemeanors are knocked down to desk appearances, and desk appearances don’t even bother showing up.” His concern extends to policies like cashless bail and the proposed Clean Slate Act, which he believes undermine public safety by allowing repeat offenders to escape meaningful consequences. “If you locked up the repeat offenders and you put them away as the law states you can, crime can drop as much as 60%,” Sullivan contends, outlining his vision for a safer New York.
Sullivan’s message to the Queens Jewish community is one of solidarity and zero tolerance for hate. He expresses deep concern about the rise of antisemitism, both on college campuses and in broader society. He frames the protests on college campuses and in the streets as part of a larger geopolitical strategy by nefarious actors. “This is a strategy by nefarious people. They are not Republicans or Democrats. They just want Americans going after Americans,” Sullivan warns.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Middle East, he urges for stronger U.S. support for Israel in its fight against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, “If we showed our staunch support in policy, in military support, and funding, this would have ended a lot sooner.” He also fully supports Israel doing what it needs to do to stop the terrorists. “This is what Israel has to do to prevent [October 7] from happening again. They have to exact a cost so the region, the world, says [to the Palestinians], you can’t do that again.”
As Thomas Sullivan makes his case to the voters of District 23 once again, his campaign is marked by a blend of pragmatism and passion. Whether discussing border security, crime, or international affairs, Sullivan speaks with the conviction of someone who has not only studied these issues but lived them. In an era where political rhetoric often overshadows substance, Sullivan’s candidacy offers a return to grounded, experience-based leadership—a quality that might just carry him over the finish line this time around.
