Eli Northrup is a public defense lawyer who has spent over a decade in criminal court and has led the Bronx Defenders’ public policy work, including drafting bills and advocating for criminal justice, judicial reform, and cannabis regulation. Citizens Union evaluated Northrup two years ago in his first run for this seat. We were highly impressed by his candidacy and professional track record then and remain so today. He is a well-prepared candidate, presenting nuanced, detailed views on policy and government, and demonstrated a fluent understanding of how Albany works. He supported all of Citizens Union’s reform agenda and identified campaign finance reform and judicial transparency as his top good government priorities. Citizens Union prefers Eli Northrup in this race.

Stephanie Ruskay is a rabbi, educator, and nonprofit executive who served for roughly a decade as associate dean of the Rabbinical School at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda and identified transparency as her top priority for good government. Citizens Union found her genuinely engaging, thoughtful, and values-driven. Her jump into local politics is a welcome sight, and we encourage her to remain involved in the district. She provides an important voice.