Indivisible Westchester: The Podcast

Democrats score a major victory in a high stakes special election in New York. Casey Sabella, NY Democrats State Director for 2024 and Jon Tomlin, Democratic Strategist with Actum, join Shannon to talk about the questions this race answered - what made the difference in this race that made national headlines? And, what does this mean for Democrats running for Congress this year throughout New York?

The special election to fill George Santos' vacant seat is just a few weeks away. State Senator Shelley Mayer joins us with a call to action. She shares all the details on how you can help get out the vote, and why the election on February 13th is so crucial for New York and the country.

Sign up to Canvass with Shelley Mayer on January 27th https://bit.ly/012724West4NY3

We are back in 2024 with all new episodes!

This week Shannon is joined by Corinne Carey, NY & NJ Campaign Director Compassion & Choices, to discuss New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. She shares why it matters and how you can help make sure it passes in New York.

Find out more: https://www.compassionandchoices.org/in-your-state/new-york

New York State Senator Shelley Mayer joins Shannon today to talk about how New York can expand access to abortion care nationwide. Blue states like New York passed laws protecting abortion care providers from prosecution for those traveling from states with abortion bans. Telemedicine shield laws take that a step further, protecting doctors who prescribe pills to out of state women seeking to have abortions at home. Sen. Mayer discusses her bill that offers those protections in New York.

All eyes are on the New York Court of Appeals and the search for a new Chief Judge. Governor Kathy Hochul has until December 23rd to nominate one of seven possible candidates for the top job on state’s highest court. Former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore abruptly stepped down earlier this year. Many progressives blame her for the court’s drift to the right, including blocking congressional districts drawn by the legislature, a move that cost New York Democrats four house seats this cycle. In turn, progressive activists and advocacy groups have their own ideas about who should take DiFiore’s place. To talk about the vacancy, Shannon is joined by Peter Martin, Director of Judicial Accountability for The Center for Community Alternatives and a leader of the Court New York Deserves Coalition of which Indivisible Westchester is a member.

Georgia is headed to the polls yet again. Shannon is joined by Sarah Riggs Amico, former candidate for Georgia Lt. Governor and US Senate, to discuss Senator Warnock's campaign and how the Republicans could be in trouble. They also share lessons from Georgia organizing that could help New York in the future.

The midterm elections are over and Democrats outperformed expectations everywhere except for New York. The Democrats lost House seats across the state even while electing Kathy Hochul. What happened, and what do the Democrats in New York need to do next? Shannon is joined by Jake Dilemani, Partner at Mercury Public Affairs and Democratic Strategist.

Live from Mt. Vernon at the Our Communities United for Hochul & Delgado Rally for Row A. Election Day is Tuesday November 8th. New York polls are open 6am-9pm. Every vote counts!

Highlights from Gov. Hochul, Lt. Gov. Delgado, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Sen. Jamaal Bailey, Mt. Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, County Exec. George Latimer, Deputy County Exec. Ken Jenkins and members from Hispanic Democrats of Westchester, Westchester County Democratic Committee, Working Families Party and Westchester Asian American Democrats.

Early voting in New York is relatively new and still somewhat of a novelty, but the numbers tell a story about enthusiasm and turnout. With so many competitive high profile races come concerns about protecting the right to vote. Shannon is joined by Jarret Berg, Co-Founder and Voting Rights Counsel at Vote Early New York, to discuss all things voting.

The polls are closer than anyone expected in the race for New York Governor. John Tomlin, Managing Director at Actum, and Jake Dilemani, Partner at Mercury Public Affairs, join Shannon to talk about the race, how we can get involved, and what surprises might be in store when the votes are counted.