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. 

“The people have spoken and sent a powerful mandate: on Jan. 20, the president of the United States will be Donald J. Trump,” Barsamian exclaimed. 

Edward Cox, chair of the New York Republican State Committee addressed the crowd, pointing out that New Yorkers desperately want a change. “It’s our duty as Republicans to help deliver that change for New York,” he said. “And with President-elect Trump, we really have something to celebrate here today. 

“Trump’s first administration was a huge success,”continued Cox, who said that the border was secure, the economy was booming, inflation was almost zero, wages were skyrocketing for people who work paycheck to paycheck and there was no war. “All across New York, the Trump 2024 campaign has shown that working-class Asians, Hispanics and Blacks are rejecting the far left and woke Democrat programs. They understand our common sense arguments.” 

Curtis Sliwa, Guardian Angels founder and former New York City mayoral candidate, made an appearance at the gala as well, delivering an unfiltered message chock full of passion and candor. 

“Democrats have given us chaos and corruption and destroyed everything that the Republicans preserved and built on,” Sliwa said. “It’s time that we return it — for America, for the flag, for our families and for the borough that birthed me: Brooklyn, New York!”   

Former State Sen. Marty Golden called the United States the greatest country in the world, but noted that, “We lost that for a while but are now about to return to it. We got our nation back with Donald Trump and need to go forward.” 

Golden said that people are fed up with the cost of living, crime and education want something different, “and the Republican Party is going to give it to them.”

Since you’re already in Premium Content, please enjoy these related articles: