Orkin Sweeps Queens District 38

David Orkin secured a decisive victory in State Assembly District 38 on Tuesday. The democratic socialist captured 73.3% of the vote in the Nov. 3 general election, according to preliminary results from the city Board of Elections. He defeated Republican Ruben Cruz II, a member of Community Board 9 who had served as a key area leader.

Orkin’s campaign centered on labor protections and shielding local residents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He brought professional experience as an immigrant workers’ rights attorney to the race. In the June primary, he unseated incumbent Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar with approximately 59% of the vote.

"I am the first democratic socialist candidate to win in South Queens, and it really goes to show that our politics and our message of harnessing the power of the working class to demand greater accountability from our elected officials and to tax the rich so they can pay their fair share is popular across the city, across the state, in very different demographics," Orkin said at an election night event in Woodhaven.

The event was co-hosted by Congresswoman-elect Claire Valdez. Orkin described the large margin of victory as a historic achievement for a progressive candidate in a district that had never elected one. He noted that the area is home to immigrants and unions, and he pledged to represent those groups through his legal background.

Orkin’s win was part of a wider Democratic surge. Valdez won the congressional seat previously held by Nydia Velázquez. Democrats also regained the majority in Congress and elected Gov. Hochul to a second term. Other Democratic Socialists of America candidates, including Samantha Kattan and Illapa Sairitupac, also won legislative seats.

Orkin stated that he plans to push the governor to increase taxes on wealthy corporations and individuals. He said this revenue is needed to fund essential state programs. Cruz issued a statement acknowledging his loss but claimed his campaign successfully focused attention on working-class neighborhoods.

"I want to thank every neighbor who cast a ballot, our devoted volunteers, and my opponent, David Orkin, for a spirited race," Cruz said. He added that an election is a single moment in time, but his dedication to District 38 remains resolute. Cruz pledged to continue serving the area through Community Board 9 and other panels, citing priorities like flood mitigation near the Aqueduct Race Track and tax relief for seniors.