Why Bukharian Jews Must Register as Democrats by Feb. 14 for June Primaries
By Erin Levi
In the bustling streets of Queens, New York, political activist David Aronov is sounding the alarm to his fellow Bukharian Jews. His message is urgent: register as Democrats by February 14, or lose your voice in one of New York City’s most consequential elections this June.
But can anyone hear him?
«This isn’t about party loyalty—it’s about survival,» explains Aronov, who has been leading grassroots efforts to mobilize the Bukharian Jewish community. «In New York City, whoever wins the Democratic primary in June essentially becomes the next mayor. If we’re not registered as Democrats, we can’t participate in that crucial decision.»
The stakes have never been higher. With Mayor Eric Adams facing corruption allegations and his political future uncertain, the upcoming mayoral race has attracted a diverse field of candidates—including some whose positions have raised serious concerns within the Jewish community.

One such candidate is Zohran Mamdani, the Ugandan-born Democratic Socialist Assembly member representing Astoria, who has already raised an impressive $600,000 in just three months. Mamdani’s track record includes introducing the controversial «Not On Our Dime! Act» in the state assembly, which would strip tax-exempt status from New York nonprofits that support what the bill terms «settlement activity» in Israel—a move that could significantly impact Jewish institutions throughout the city.
«This is someone who has proven capability to organize and mobilize,» Aronov warns. «His team knocked on 11,000 doors in a single weekend. With the city’s matching funds program, his $600,000 could turn into $3-4 million for his campaign. This is very serious.»
The push for Democratic registration is part of a larger $7 million effort by the Jewish Voters Action Network to organize Jewish voters across New York City. The strategy mirrors successful campaigns elsewhere, such as in Westchester County, where organized Jewish voters recently helped unseat Representative Jamaal Bowman, a member of «The Squad,» in favor of pro-Israel candidate George Latimer.
For the Bukharian Jewish community specifically, the stakes extend beyond single issues. Despite their significant economic presence in New York, the community’s political influence has lagged behind other Jewish groups. «Our community is advanced in so many fields, but we haven’t figured out politics yet,» Aronov notes. «Other Jewish communities, including Orthodox Jews, are registered as Democrats and have representatives. They get their voices heard.»
This political underrepresentation has real consequences. «A lot of elected officials don’t look to our community because they know Bukharian Jews aren’t registered as Democrats,» Aronov explains. «Yes, our community has money and can fundraise, but voting power is much stronger. We can’t just fundraise our way to political influence.»

For those hesitant to register as Democrats, Aronov emphasizes that this is about pragmatic participation rather than ideological commitment. «You can still vote Republican in the general election in November,» he clarifies. «This is about having a say in who makes it to that general election. In a closed primary state like New York, if you’re registered as an independent or Republican, you simply can’t vote in the Democratic primary.»
The February 14 deadline is strict and unforgiving. Those who register or switch parties after this date will have to wait until next year’s elections to participate in Democratic primaries. The process itself is straightforward—the city’s Board of Elections offers an easy-to-use online portal for party registration changes, requiring no account creation.
«Put your ego aside,» Aronov advises. «Being a registered Democrat doesn’t define your politics—it gives you a voice in selecting candidates who will shape the future of our city. Would you rather have a moderate Democrat like Melinda Katz as District Attorney, or someone who won’t prosecute violent offenders?»
The message is clear: in a city where Democratic primary winners almost invariably become general election victors, the path to political influence for Bukharian Jews runs through Democratic party registration. The February 14 deadline isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s the community’s chance to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that will affect their families, institutions, and future in New York City.
The last Republican mayor was Michael Bloomberg, and such victories are increasingly rare in modern New York City politics. As the deadline approaches, Aronov and others continue their urgent campaign to ensure their community doesn’t miss this critical opportunity to shape the city’s future.
«This is bigger than party politics,» Aronov concludes. «This is about ensuring our community has a seat at the table where decisions are made. We can’t afford to sit this one out.»