The sanctity of the rule of law is left in doubt in Zohran’s New York. But in 2026, Brooklyn fights back, starting with Assemblyman Michael Novakhov and Assemblyman Lester Chang, in the 45th and 49th Assembly Districts, respectively. We fight back for strong communities, for safe streets, and for Common Sense, from Albany to New York City. The New York City Young Republican Club is proud to endorse both Assemblyman Novakhov and Assemblyman Chang in the upcoming primary and general elections.
We endorse Michael Novakhov in the 45th Assembly District because of his character and leadership. His no-nonsense mindset brought him to victory over a long-time incumbent. From his insights into the Soviet émigré experience, to his faith in the American Dream, he is in the perfect position to represent the diverse needs of Brooklyn in the halls of Albany. The brilliant co-founder of Freedom FM, Assemblyman Novakhov’s wit is matched with his practicality as a legislator and coalition partner.
We endorse Lester Chang for the 49th Assembly District because he embodies our ideal of service: service to his community, his city, and his country. Four years ago, Assemblyman Chang rose as a voice for the voiceless. Despite being outraised 10 to 1, he triumphed over a 30-year incumbent. His independence from the liberal machine sharpens the sword of his advocacy in Albany. From the hills of Afghanistan, to the Javits Center during the climax of the Covid-19 pandemic, to the curbsides of Leif Erikson Park, we know that Assemblyman Chang will pull through for the people of Brooklyn.
As the Mamdani Regime tests the foundations of efficient municipal government, the advocacy of Mr. Chang and Mr. Novakhov on behalf of public and private excellence is indispensable. Since these coalition partners arrived in Albany in 2023, they never sacrificed this excellence at the altar of quality. They have both fought for the Gifted and Talented Programs, the SHSAT, and the Regents Examinations, because they know it’s wrong to diminish the horizons of our best and brightest. Unbeholden to the teachers union machine and their tax-and-spend schemes, they will fight for the best teachers in all New York City classrooms, whether private, public, charter, or parochial. In this way, they represent the values of the New York Young Republican Club.
As the left neglects our present crisis of lawlessness, drug abuse, and vagrancy in our public spaces, our Republican coalition for New York City never forgets that the only strong community is a safe community. Mr. Novakhov and Mr. Chang have never shied away from standing with the law enforcement officers who bring safety to our streets.
As our burdensome public sector has grown thicker every year under Democratic rule, Assemblyman Chang and Assemblyman Novakhov are grounded in the reality that prosperity starts with us; we, the people of this city and the people of this state. While Democrats demonize the successful, only to blow their stipends and benefits on Hamptons getaways, we know Assemblymen Novakhov and Chang deeply appreciate the everyday value created by New Yorkers and their labor.
They are critical in holding the line and reducing the tax burden for individuals, property owners, and business owners from Bay Ridge to Brighton Beach. We know they will collaborate with our partners across the state to safeguard the enduring competitiveness of our private sector.
The New York Young Republican Club is proud to endorse Assemblyman Michael Novakhov and Assemblyman Lester Chang for re-election in the upcoming primary election on June 23, and the general election on November 3, 2026. The stakes have never been higher.