22 Facts About Simcha Felder

Simcha Felder was born on December 30,1958 and is an American politician from Borough Park, Brooklyn.

On March 25,2025, Simcha Felder won a special election for New York City Council in the 44th District.

Simcha Felder's father was Rabbi Harry Simcha Felder, spiritual leader of Beth Aaron Congregation in Borough Park.

Early in his career, Simcha Felder served as chief of staff to Democratic New York State Assembly member Dov Hikind.

Simcha Felder was elected to the New York City Council in District 44 in 2001.

Simcha Felder backed city funding for religious schools, while maintaining that he opposes displays of religion in public schools.

Simcha Felder has gained attention by calling for better labeling of caffeine content in foods and beverages, as well as a ban on the distribution of unsolicited fliers.

Simcha Felder is perhaps best known for his attempt to ban the feeding of pigeons in New York City.

In 2005, Simcha Felder crossed party lines to endorse then-Republican Mike Bloomberg in his bid for reelection as New York City mayor.

Simcha Felder asserted that Bloomberg was the only Republican he had ever voted for and implied that Bloomberg would be the only Republican he would ever support.

Simcha Felder was Chair of the Council's Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime uses in his first term.

When subsequently asked to comment on the Review Board's finding, Simcha Felder's office stated that Simcha Felder had "no comment" about the incident and that he "wants to put the matter behind him".

Simcha Felder announced his Democratic presidential primary election vote for Senator Barack Obama "in protest" for what he felt was bad behavior by the campaign of New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, following comments made by former president Bill Clinton regarding the South Carolina primary.

In 2008, Simcha Felder challenged incumbent State Senator Kevin Parker in a Democratic primary in Senate District 21.

Simcha Felder was elected to the New York State Senate in District 17 in November 2012.

Simcha Felder stated his willingness to return to the Senate Democratic Conference if doing so would benefit his district.

Simcha Felder cast deciding votes against an immigration bill called the New York Dream Act, stated that ending stop-and-frisk was a mistake, opposed plastic bag fees, and supported Iran divestment and anti-BDS laws.

Unlike nearly all other New York Democrats, Simcha Felder is a staunch opponent of abortion.

Simcha Felder was reelected to the Senate without opposition in 2014 and 2016.

On January 9,2019, the Daily News reported that Simcha Felder had decided against caucusing with the Republicans, and was looking forward to rejoining the Senate Democrats "'at the appropriate time'".

Simcha Felder was accepted into the Democratic caucus July 1,2019 after having voted with the Democrats on multiple major pieces of legislation.

Simcha Felder won re-election in the 22nd Senate District in November 2022.