The Bay Ridge Manor was filled with festive cheer as the New York State Young Republicans hosted their 27th annual holiday gala. The theme celebrated the growing Republican presence in New York’s outer boroughs, and the Dec. 19 event brought together party leaders, elected officials and young conservatives for an evening of unity and inspiration.
Brooklyn GOP Chairman Richard Barsamian and New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox were among the evening’s prominent speakers. Reflecting on the year’s successes, Barsamian described the November elections as “a mandate of common sense and reality” and emphasized the party’s role in safeguarding America’s future.
“The era of Obama, Biden, Pelosi, and Clinton is over,” said keynote speaker Cox. “The next president of the United States will be Donald J. Trump.”
He also highlighted the importance of breaking the Democratic supermajority in Albany, crediting victories like that of state Sen.-elect Steve Chan as pivotal to the party’s momentum.
Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, whose district encompasses parts of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Coney Island (and who this year fought off Democratic challenger Chris McCreight), praised the event’s impact.
“We spoke about our past successes and the path to future victories as a unified party of responsible Republicans,” he said.
Assembly Member Michael Novakhov echoed these sentiments, celebrating the enthusiasm of young leaders. “It was a fantastic evening celebrating the holiday season with so many incredible young leaders dedicated to making a difference,” he said.
Novakhov, whose district includes Manhattan Beach, parts of Brighton Beach, Gravesend, and Sheepshead Bay, ultimately edged out Democratic challenger Joey Cohen-Saba in a closely contested race. First elected in 2023, the pol previously worked as a host on the Russian-language radio station FreedomFM.
Meanwhile, in SD-17 — the borough’s first Asian-majority state Senate district — Chan toppled his predecessor, state Sen. Iwen Chu, by more than 5,000 votes.
In a heartfelt speech at the gala, Chan recounted his journey from immigrant beginnings to public service.
“For the last 47 years I’ve lived in Brooklyn, I was campaigning and didn’t even know it,” he said, reflecting on his work ethic, military service, and dedication to his community. “Enough nonsense is enough. We’re going to vote for this guy that we know, that grew up here, that wore the same shoes as us.”
The gala also bridged the gap between seasoned leaders and the next generation, with Young Republican member Stefano Forte delivering the benediction and NYSYRC Chairman Peter Giunta recognizing the rising diversity within the party.
“Ten years ago, Brooklyn was entirely blue. Now, we have leaders like Lester Chang, Michael Novakhov, and Steve Chan making waves,” Giunta said, emphasizing the importance of continuing the hard work. Giunta is stepping down from his current role as state chairman to become national chairman.
Former Sen. Marty Golden, a revered figure in the local Republican community, was among the honored guests, alongside leaders like James Nolan, a Westchester County legislator, and newly elected officials from Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Other highlights included birthday congratulations for NYYRC member Mario Nicoletto, complete with a cake and a sing-along, and an award from the NYSYR to Michael Zembricki, the New York state director for the Republican National Committee. His mother accepted the award on his behalf.
The evening concluded with a call to action for 2025 and beyond, as attendees were reminded of the work still ahead.
“For the first time in a very long time, this party has some momentum,” one speaker said. “We cannot take our foot off the gas.”
