Category: Uncategorized

“Today, President Joe Biden solidified himself not only as one of the most accomplished presidents our nation has seen, but as a consummate statesman — one whose legacy will stand the test of time,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“While I am saddened to see our Party lose such a successful standard bearer who has dedicated over five decades to public service, I am both encouraged and excited to endorse and put my full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be our Democratic Presidential Nominee. From her experience as a District Attorney, State Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President in this most accomplished administration, Kamala Harris is the strongest and best-positioned candidate to defeat Trump and lead our great nation forward. I call on Democrats across the County, State and Nation to unite and commit to working through the next four months to build the coalition of voters we need to hold the White House and bring Democratic wins across the board to Washington, DC. Lets do this!”

The New York County Democratic Committee previously announced the formation of an Independent Screening Panel. As an update, the screening panel for Supreme Court 2024, administered by Valecia Battle, Esq., consists of:

Nina Gross | American Academy of Matrimonial Law
Grant A. Hanessian | Armenian Bar Association
Ben Hsing | Asian American Bar Association of New York
Amanda Peterson | Brehon Law Society
Dan Eisenberg | City Club
Victoria Lombardi | Columbian Lawyers Association
Jake Bedor | Jewish Lawyers Guild
Joseph L. Choe | Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Orielle Newsome | Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Nathan Werksman | New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Melissa Glassman | New York Women’s Bar Association
Maria Ortiz | Puerto Rican Bar Association
Victoria Serigano | Women’s Trial Lawyers Caucus

The New York County Democratic Committee has announced the formation of an Independent Screening Panel to report on the qualifications of candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for one (1) vacant seat on the New York State Supreme Court and one (1) incumbent running for re-election to be elected in the November 2024 general election. The heads of numerous bar associations, community organizations and law schools have been invited to nominate members of the panel, which will be directed to report a total of no more than the six (3) most highly qualified candidates for each vacant seat.

Candidates for the nomination may obtain applications from Kyle Ishmael, Esq., Executive Director for the Manhattan Democratic Party, via email at manhattandems@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

2024 Supreme Court Selection Political Calendar
Monday, June 10 | Judicial Applications available
Monday, June 17 @ 5pm | Judicial Applications due
*Tuesday, June 18 | Independent Screening Panel convenes
*Wednesday, July 24 | Independent Screening Panel reports out results
*Thursday, August 8 | New York County Democratic Judicial Convention

*subject to change

“Today, we applaud the fine men and women of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by the incomparable Alvin Bragg, for their diligent and professional work in seeking justice and accountability on behalf of our county, our state, and the entire nation — all in the face of attacks and threats encouraged by the very same former president who makes history today as the first to be criminally convicted,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“Let this be a reminder that no one is above the law; and that while republicans back 34-Count Trump who doesn’t believe in democracy, our Party continues to govern for the people.”

“We are all incredibly saddened by the recent passing of District Leader Louise Dankberg, an active fighter for our democracy whose dedication to our shared values made her a beloved friend to so many across the county,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright.

“Over the years, Louise has become the bedrock of our county party, serving her community and the broader Democratic family in so many ways, alongside her loving and equally dedicated husband. We offer our condolences to her family, friends and all who have been blessed to know our beloved Louise over the years. We will miss her dearly. May her memory last and her impact strengthen us all.”

District Leader Sandro Sherrod (AD74 Part C) offered the following:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Louise Dankberg, a cherished member of our community and a dedicated Democratic district leader from New York City. Louise’s commitment to public service and her leadership at the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club were an inspiration to us all.

Louise served with distinction as the political leader of the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club, where she worked tirelessly to uphold the values of democracy and always strived to get an even more diverse and progressive judiciary for New York.

As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable legacy—a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to influence the fabric of our community for years to come. Louise’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our district.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Louise’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory be a beacon of hope and a reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.
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Join the Manhattan Democratic Party for our Spring Gala!

As we gear up for this monumentally important election season, it’s more important than ever that our local parties have the resources necessary to organize and win. Join many of our Manhattan elected officials and party leaders for dinner and drinks at the gorgeous View at Battery Park, right on the water.

Stay tuned for information on how to purchase tickets or join the host committee! Details will be updated on our Spring Gala 2024 webpage.

Monday, June 17th
6pm-9pm
The View at Battery Park, 1 Battery Place in Manhattan
Tickets will include dinner and drinks

On behalf of the Manhattan Democratic Party, County Leader Keith L.T. Wright and Judiciary Co-Chairs Curtis Arluck and Louise Dankberg, we sincerely thank the 2024 Civil Court Independent Judicial Screening Panel and its administrator for their diligent work, and we congratulate all the candidates. As per the report of the 2024 Civil Court Independent Screening Panel, the following candidates have been identified as most highly qualified:

Civil Court
Harold Bahr
Ilona Coleman
Allison Greenfield
Malaika Scott-McLaughlin
Elizabeth Y. Shamahs
Mark H. Shawhan
Alice Tam Tien
Ralph L. Wolf
Eric Justin Wursthorn
Crystal R. Villasenor
*Hon. J. Machelle Sweeting
*Hon. Louis Nock

*Incumbents

“I have known Inez Dickens for the greater part of my life. As a neighbor, friend, partner and colleague in government, she has always been a staunch fighter for Harlem,” said County Leader Keith L.T. Wright. “Inez is one of the fiercest advocates I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with. During her time in the New York City Council, she was able to secure unprecedented resources for our community institutions like Harlem Hospital, A. Philip Randolph Houses, and the National Urban League Headquarters. Inez succeeded me in the New York State Assembly and saw to the completion of the Studio Museum of Harlem and the Victoria Theatre. Her motives have always been rooted in making sure our community not only survived but thrived. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her dedication and service to our city and state. I wish nothing but the best for Inez and I will continue to work with her for the betterment of our beloved Harlem.”

The New York County Democratic Committee, having previously announced the formation of an Independent Screening Panel to report on the qualifications of candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for: Civil Court Countywide (two vacancies); First Municipal Court District (one vacancy); Second Municipal Court District (one vacancy); Fifth Municipal Court District (one vacancy); and three (3) incumbents running for re-election to Civil Court, which will be filled in the November election. We are proud to announce that the screening panel for Civil Court 2024, administered by Attorney Lauren A. Jones, consists of:

Brian Karalunas | Armenian Bar Association
Pang-Mei Natasha Chang | Asian American Bar Association of New York
Ronak Patel | Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Elizabeth Malang | Brehon Law Society
Katherine Rosenfeld | City Club of New York
Anthony Mastroianni | Columbian Lawyers Association
Altagracia Nunez | Dominican Bar Association
Caroline Marshall | Fortune Society
Aubrey Hurse | Greater Harlem Coalition
Sonica Dixon | Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York
Ted Anastasiou | Hellenic Lawyers Association
Farimah Ghaffari | Iranian Bar Association
Andrew Johnson “A.J.” Mallon | Jewish Lawyers Guild
Christine Kim | Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Robert H. King | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL)
Shirley H. Smith | Mid-Manhattan Branch of the NAACP
Stephen Louis | New York Law School
Gabriela Pulla | New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Sharday Urtarte | New York Urban League
Claire Mooney | New York Women’s Bar Association
Joshua Goldstein | NYC Bar Trusts, Estates and Surrogate’s Court Committee
Andres Orejuela | P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem
Elena Makau | Puerto Rican Bar Association
Perry Shusterman | Women’s Trial Lawyers Caucus

UPDATE: December 23, 2023
The governor has signed A05366/S05414 into law, creating one (1) additional countywide Civil Court vacancy. The 2024 Independent Screening Panel will screen for this vacancy as well.
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The New York County Democratic Committee has announced the formation of the 2024 Independent Screening Panel to report on the qualifications of candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for: Civil Court Countywide (one vacancy); First Municipal Court District (one vacancy); Second Municipal Court District (one vacancy); Fifth Municipal Court District (one vacancy); possibly one (1) additional Civil Court Countywide vacancy should the governor sign A05366/S05414 into law; and three (3) incumbents running for re-election to Civil Court, which will be filled in the November election. The heads of numerous bar associations, community organizations and law schools have been invited to nominate members of the panel, which will be directed to report a total of no more than the three (3) most highly qualified candidates per vacancy.

Candidates for the Court may obtain applications from Mr. Kyle Ishmael, the Executive Director of the New York County Democratic Committee, via email at judiciary.manhattandems@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting completed applications is January 4, 2024 at 5pm. Questions concerning this year’s panel should be directed to Mr. Ishmael via email.

This notice will be updated once the status of A05366/S05414 is known.