Sommer Omar is running for State Committee
ABOUT
Sommer Omar is an attorney and community activist downtown running for State Committee in the 66th Assembly District. Born in Queens and raised by parents who immigrated from Egypt, she has fought for New Yorkers as a workers’ rights attorney and stood up for her neighbors downtown by being a steadfast voice on local issues and a persistent advocate when their rights or wellbeing were at stake.
Founded Coalition of 20+ Downtown Community Organizations to Save the Tony Dapolito (Carmin Street ) Recreation Center
After Mayor Adams announced his administration is planning to demolish the beloved and landmarked Tony Dapolito Recreation Center (also known as Carmine Street Recreation Center), Sommer founded the Coalition to Save the Public Recreation Center Downtown, bringing together more than 20 downtown organizations including block associations, tenants groups, artists, nonprofits, and political clubs to oppose the demolition of a beloved public facility and to call for its repair.
Represented Community in Lawsuit to Stop the Closure of Beth Israel Hospital
Mount Sinai Beth Israel was the last major hospital downtown - roughly 400,000 New Yorkers relied on the facility for life saving care. When the hospital announced its closure, Sommer was one of three pro bono attorneys that represented Lower Manhattan in a lawsuit demanding that the Mount Sinai Health System invest in emergency healthcare services downtown to mitigate the impact of the hospital’s closure.
Organized Lower Manhattan to Pass the New York Equal Rights Amendment - “Prop 1”
Sommer organized her neighbors to pass Prop 1 and led the largest rally in Lower Manhattan attended by Governor Hochul, Attorney General Tish James, Representative Jerry Nadler and more than a dozen state and local elected officials, calling on New Yorkers to vote “yes” on Prop 1. After passing, Prop 1 enshrined abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights in the New York State constitution for the first time in state history.
Advocated for New Public Bench to be Installed on Greenwich Street
While at the Tribeca Greenmarket, Sommer met an older neighbor with impaired mobility who was deeply frustrated with how many public benches had been removed along Greenwich Street. Sommer stepped in and pushed City administrators for months to reinstall the benches, noting that Independence Plaza is home to a significant senior resident community, as well as the Independence Plaza Neighborhood Older Adults Center, which regularly hosts events and programming for older adults from the surrounding area.
Sommer marshaled support for this effort from community leaders including the President of the Senior Center and the President of the Independence Plaza North Tenant Association. Shortly afterwards, the City installed a bench at the corner of Greenwich and Warren Street.
VOLUNTEER
What is “State Committee”
A member of the New York State Democratic Committee plays a vital role in local politics by representing their community within the Democratic party. They help organize party activities, recruit volunteers, and act as a liaison between voters and party leaders. Their work not only supports the election of party candidates but also ensures that the party’s platform and leadership are responsive to grassroots concerns.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as a direct representative of the community, bringing the community’s concerns and priorities to the attention of the party.
Hold the party accountable to voters, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to local issues.
Advocate for solutions and policies tailored to reflect the unique needs of the community.