Brooklyn’s political elite gather at Steve Cohn’s annual Cheesecake Breakfast

November 15, 2023 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and political leader Steve Cohn arrive at Junior's Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn for the annual Cheesecake Breakfast, a key gathering of Brooklyn's political community.
Photos: Robert Abruzzese and Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle

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The renowned Cheesecake Breakfast, hosted by Steve Cohn, a prominent figure in Brooklyn’s political and legal circles, occurred once again at Junior’s Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn on Friday, Nov. 3.

Hon. Frank Seddio and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at annual Cheesecake Breakfast. — Hon. Frank Seddio and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

This much-anticipated annual event, held on the Friday before Election Day, has become a staple in the local political calendar, offering a unique opportunity for community leaders, elected officials, and judiciary members to convene in a more relaxed setting.

This year’s event saw notable figures such as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who briefly addressed the gathering and engaged in photo opportunities with attendees. Former Mayor Bill DeBlasio also made an appearance, alongside Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, an Assemblymember and the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party; District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; and State Sen. Andrew Gounardes.

The event was filled with a host of local politicians, district leaders and judges, many of whom are up for election, underlying its significance as a networking opportunity within Brooklyn’s political landscape.

Hon. Michael Farkas and Hon. Loren Baily-Schiffman at annual Cheesecake Breakfast. — Hon. Michael Farkas and Hon. Loren Baily-Schiffman.

The Cheesecake Breakfast, a tradition for over 30 years, is known for its convivial atmosphere, allowing attendees to engage in informal discussions away from the rigors of their political campaigns.

Cohn, a former district leader in the Democratic 50th Assembly District and a past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, has been instrumental in fostering this unique event that brings together the borough’s political and judicial elite.

Reflecting on the event’s history, Cohn has emphasized its role in uniting various community leaders and providing a platform for camaraderie and mutual respect among Brooklyn’s diverse political spectrum.

Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily slowed down the event, it has consistently managed to attract a wide range of attendees, including mayors, governors and other high-profile figures in the state and city’s political scene.