Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay Enters 69th Assembly District Race

From the wooded ridge of Riverside Park down to the verdant Manhattan Valley, there’s a new Democratic political candidate in town: Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay. On Nov. 12, she announced she’s running for the 69th Assembly District seat currently held by Micah Lasher.

Though Lasher, who took office on January 1, 2025, has yet to complete one full year in the Assembly, he’s among the many jockeying to fill the Congressional seat left open by Jerrold Nadler’s announced retirement at the end of 2026 when his term concludes.

Ruskay is an Associate Dean at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Morningside Heights and a mom of two baseball playing sons. Her husband, Darone Ruskay, is the Managing Director of Queens Hillel.

Stephanie Ruskay, who appears to be the first person to officially enter the contest, has secured one endorsement so far, but it’s a big one: the venerable Ruth Messinger, former City Council Member (1978-1988), Manhattan Borough President (1990-1997) and 1997 Democratic Mayoral candidate, in which she was crushed, 57.7% to 40.5%, by Republican Rudy Giuliani. But look whose reputation is better now!

The 69th Assembly District encompasses a broad swatch of the Upper West Side from 80th Street on the south—but with a curious carveout for Amsterdam, Broadway, and West End Avenue up to 125th St.

Straus News, recalling the popular Harry Kemelman series of mystery novels (“Monday The Rabbi Took Off” etc), asked Ruskay some questions about a political whodunit that could be titled, “The Day The Rabbi Announced Her Candidacy.”

This interview has been condensed for space and clarity.

Why are you the best candidate for the 69th Assembly District?

From my young years living in a Mitchell-Lama development on W. 97th Street to my time studying at Columbia University to my current work as Associate Dean at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the neighborhoods of this district have shaped my awareness of the challenges we face and the solutions that are at hand if we can come together in common cause for the greater good.

Serving as an Assemblymember will be an extension of my rabbinate. It will enable me to follow the model of the prophets by caring for those in need.

As a Jewish woman, I personally feel the rising tides of both antisemitism and gender discrimination and will bring that unique knowledge to the job of Assemblymember as the first woman to represent this district in 50 years and the first female rabbi in our nation elected to serve in state government.

More importantly, I know this district, I know its families, and I am ready to go to Albany to make sure that the real problems we are facing are addressed by our state government, and that we don’t miss opportunities to make society more connected and resilient.

Many people, including many (if not all) progressive Jews are wary of Mayor-elect Mamdani and the blurry lines between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Your thoughts.

Anyone who is elected has a responsibility to serve all of their constituents, not just those who may share one or more particular attributes. I am Jewish, but if I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will serve Jews and non-Jews equally, because that is what is what public service demands of us.

Mayor-elect Mamdani shares a similar responsibility. Some of his language in the past has given many people legitimate concerns, and as Jews, we are always aware of the fact that we are targeted for more hate crimes than all other groups combined.

But I also believe in the ability of people to grow and learn. I am hopeful that in governing, the Mayor-elect will continue to recognize the need to engage the many facets of the Jewish community to better understand our concerns, and partner with us to improve safety and our quality of life.

What issues facing the state are most pressing in the 69th A.D.?

Affordability in general, and housing affordability specifically, is one of the more critical needs of our district, especially with these problems being made worse by the reckless and cruel actions of the Trump administration.

Beyond housing affordability, the cost of childcare, health care, food, and utilities are hitting families hard and will be a major focus of my work. We need to wisely address public safety and subway safety, ensure that those who need mental health services and resources have access to them, continue investing in better schools, make sure that New York remains a safe-haven for those targeted by the Trump administration, and sustain our democracy against Trump’s intentional and relentless push toward totalitarianism.

Did you ever meet the recently passed NYPD Chaplain Rabbi Alvin Kass?

I was privileged to be at a luncheon honoring him in June. His speech to accept this honor for his service as the Chief Chaplain to the NYPD was powerful. He sounded like a man in the prime of his life. His booming voice, colorful description of his work, and the love he conveyed for the officers he served was moving. I left that event admiring him and his work and inspired to emulate his commitment to serving New Yorkers and the people who work on their behalf everyday. He was an example of a rabbi who brought his love of Jewish learning and ethics to serve the public and people who serve them. I would be honored to continue that legacy.

Any favorite UWS spots to share?

Our family has been so lucky to live near Riverside Park, which we affectionately refer to as our backyard. Our kids learned to ride their bikes there and we’ve spent many many seasons of baseball with West Side Little League at the diamond on 104th and Riverside.

Personally, I love to walk along the river. The moment I get to the lowest part of the park and stand near the water I can feel my blood pressure lower and calm take over.