In a historic victory for the democratic socialist movement, Maurice 'Mo' Brown has unseated 28-year incumbent Bill Magnarelli in the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 129. Brown won by approximately 100 votes after mail-in ballots were counted, marking a significant upset against an entrenched political figure who has held office since 1999.
Brown's campaign, part of the 'Affordability Slate' organized by the Syracuse chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), focused on housing, healthcare, and education as human rights. 'The community has spoken, and the message is clear: Housing, healthcare, and education are human rights and the role of government is to protect those rights,' Brown said. The victory comes despite opposition from establishment figures, including an endorsement of Magnarelli by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and over $155,000 in advertising by DoorDash in the final three weeks of the primary.
The win is part of a broader national trend of democratic socialists defeating establishment candidates. Alongside Brown, Jo Bennett of the same slate won her primary for Onondaga County Legislator District 15, defeating an opponent with 24 years of experience. Tammy Honeywell, the third candidate, lost her race but remains optimistic. 'Our movement is growing and we are just getting started,' Honeywell said.
Brown's campaign received early endorsements from Syracuse DSA, the New York Working Families Party, and Citizen Action of New York, followed by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Brown's political activism began when he served as a national delegate for Sanders' presidential campaign.
The general election is scheduled for November 23rd. Brown and Bennett will face Republican opponents in heavily Democratic districts. Brown emphasized his readiness to fight for affordability, protection from ICE, and a ban on data centers. 'I will be so honored to represent our communities in Albany. I am ready to fight together to deliver on these needs and provide for all our people,' Brown said.
Syracuse DSA, established in 2018, is part of the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the U.S. with over 100,000 members. The chapter focuses on mutual aid, international solidarity with Palestine, opposing ICE, and electing democratic socialists to office.
