Simcha Felder to stick with Senate Republicans, denying potential Democratic control

ALBANY - Republicans will maintain their tenuous grip on power in the state Senate regardless of the outcome of a key special election in Westchester County.

Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder of Brooklyn confirmed Tuesday that he would continue to caucus with the GOP for the remainder of the state's legislative session, which runs through June.

Felder's support means Republicans will control a one-vote majority in the Legislature's upper chamber, the party's last grip on power in Albany.

Two open Senate races will be decided in special elections on Tuesday night, including one in Westchester between Democrat Shelley Mayer and Republican Julie Killian.

But regardless of the outcomes, Felder said he was sticking with the Republican conference.

“I always try to do what is best for my constituents and New Yorkers," Felder said in a statement.

"With only 25 days remaining in this year’s legislative session, I believe it is my obligation to prevent an unprecedented and uncertain late session political battle that will only hurt my constituents and New Yorkers."

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Democrats were hopeful that with two wins Tuesday night, they could convince Felder to return to the Democratic fold and have their first Senate majority since 2010 as soon as this month.

Issues such as abortion rights, election reforms and allow victims of sexual abuse to reopen cases and sue their abusers hang in the balance depending on who controls the Senate.

Earlier this month, the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference folded into the mainline Democratic conference, a move aimed toward unifying party members.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also talked increasingly about bringing together Senate Democrats as he seeks re-election and faces a Democratic primary against Cynthia Nixon.

She has knocked Cuomo for not doing more to bring Democrats together in the Senate.

Cuomo suggested he will still try to end the Democratic division in the Senate.

"The governor's position is clear: the Democrats must unify to take back the majority," Cuomo spokeswoman Dani Lever said.

"This conversation will continue in the morning."

Senate Republicans said they were pleased with Felder's stance.

“We're thrilled with Senator Felder's decision to continue to caucus with our Majority," said Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif.

"Since 2012, he has been an important and trusted member of our conference, and an effective legislator for the constituents he represents. We look forward to continuing to work with him to move his district and our entire state forward.”

Senate Democrats said their goal now is to win seats in November, when all 63 Senate seats will be on the ballot.

Felder said it would be wrong flip sides midway through the session.

"Political gamesmanship must not be allowed to jeopardize the leadership, committee structure and staff of the New York State Senate and push this institution into turmoil," his statement continued.

"Upheaval and court battles among partisans is not the preferred method of governing."

He added, "I have great respect for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and this institution. I intend to work with all of them in the remaining days of session and move the people’s work forward in an effective and orderly manner.”

JSpector@Gannett.com

JCampbell1@Gannett.com

Joseph Spector and Jon Campbell write for USA TODAY Network's Albany Bureau.