Simcha Felder is a Democratic politician from Brooklyn, New York, born on August 19, 1974. He represents New York State Senate District 17, encompassing parts of Brooklyn including Midwood, Flatbush, and Borough Park—a district with a significant Orthodox Jewish population. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, he grew up, married, and raised four children in the neighborhood. Felder is known for caucusing with Senate Republicans despite his Democratic registration, a move that has made him a pivotal figure in Albany's power dynamics since 2012; he won elections on Democratic, Republican, and Conservative lines.

Notable achievements include revitalizing empty city lots into housing, playgrounds, and community facilities like a Hatzolah Volunteer Ambulance garage during his City Council tenure; reducing unfair parking and sanitation tickets with a five-minute grace period law; and advocating for education reforms like direct school control and equitable funding. He is recognized as an independent thinker and political pragmatist in a polarized environment.

Education and Political Experience

Education details are not specified in available records. Felder's political career spans nearly two decades:

• Served two terms on the New York City Council for District 44 , focusing on government accountability, service streamlining, and district revitalization.
• Elected to the New York State Senate in 2012 for District 17, where he caucuses with Republicans, helping maintain their slim majority; ran unopposed in recent cycles and secured decisive victories.
• Returned to the New York City Council, continuing hands-on leadership for public service needs.