By FrumNews.com

Far Rockaway, NY — Pesach Osina, a longtime frum political staffer and former New York City Council candidate, announced he will seek the seat vacated by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato, who represents the Jewish community of Far Rockaway, this coming November. 

“In these roles, I wasn’t focused on titles—I was focused on people. I listened, I educated, I advocated, and I helped residents navigate government so they could get real, meaningful results,” Pesach Osina said. “With so much uncertainty, we need elected leaders who understand how to make government work for working people. That’s what I’ve done my whole career, and that’s how I’ll deliver for our communities as our next Assemblymember.” 

Pheffer-Amato, the incumbent, swiftly announced her strong endorsement of Osina, saying he “will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community.” 

“I’m proud to endorse my good friend Pesach Osina for NYS Assembly. I’ve worked hand in hand with Pesach over the last decade and know he will show up and deliver for our community,” said Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato. “Pesach will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community. In challenging times like these, we need a leader who knows how to cut through the noise and focus on what’s really important. That’s Pesach Osina and that’s why I’m strongly endorsing him for NYS Assembly.”

“I am running to serve as the next Assemblymember for the 23rd District—not for a title, but to serve, to lead with humility,” Pesach Osina said. “Our communities need a leader who understands the issues on the ground, and can build coalitions across neighborhoods. In a divided city, I will be that bridge – bringing resources, attention, and action to every corner of the district—so that all communities are seen, supported, and able to thrive.”

In a statement, the Osina campaign emphasized his experience as the case of Pesach Osina, saying he “has the experience to lead on day one”, and that for the past two decades “he has been responsive, accessible and has held numerous roles in government, including this Assembly District,” as well as the New York City Comptroller’s office and for the past four years with the New York City Council Speaker’s office. 

The campaign also focused on his work during Superstorm Sandy, “Osina worked alongside community leaders and local stakeholders to prepare neighborhoods across the district. As the storm hit, he stayed through the night coordinating with local organizations to reach stranded families. In the months that followed, he traveled throughout the district—helping establish relief sites, working side by side with stakeholders, to ensure that no community, no family, and no individual was forgotten.”

In November, FrumNews reported that Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato announced she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026, after 10 years in the job.

In both 2022 and 2024, she narrowly beat GOP candidate Thomas Sullivan for the seat, which was widely reported by FrumNews. In 2024, she won by less than 2000 votes, and in 2022, she won by just 15 votes.

Sullivan confirmed to The Wave, a local news organization, that he will run again in 2026.