BAY RIDGE — “Republicans, Democrats, Independents — no matter what your political persuasion, everyone is welcome.” This was one of the key messages that Richie Barsamian, chairman of the Kings County Republican Party, offered the audience of 200 plus at the 2024 Brooklyn Republican Party’s holiday gathering at Bay Ridge Manor the evening of Dec. 16.  

“Remember why we are here today,” Barsamian said. “It’s not just to have a good time and welcome in the holidays. We are here because together we are all Americans, we are all New Yorkers and we are celebrating our entire system of democracy — because we love this city, the state of New York and the United States of America.”

Barsamian pointed out that Republican victories could not have happened without the support of crossover Democrats. “We were able to reach out to Democrats, as Marty Golden did for so long, speak to them and say to them, ‘If you are unhappy, there is a solution.’” 

Barsamian noted that he does not want to alienate anyone but simply have Democrats and Independents join Republicans and bring their elected officials into office.