Health Care Executive Launches State Senate Bid Fueled by Concerns Over Antisemitism and Affordability

Lisa “Malkie” Vider, a health care executive with three decades of experience, has entered the New York State Senate race for the 9th District, motivated by a desire to bring more moderate voices to Albany and address rising antisemitism. Vider, a Democrat, is challenging Republican incumbent Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in the upcoming general election.

Vider stated that her years advocating for health care providers in Albany exposed a disconnect between lawmakers and the industry. "When I go up to Albany, I realize that our elected officials really have no understanding of the health care system, of what I do, of what other people do in health care and the decisions that they make," Vider told JNS.

Antisemitism is a primary concern for Vider, who expressed a desire for Jewish New Yorkers to practice their faith without fear. "We just want to be able to send our kids to school or go to the park without having to worry about somebody attacking them," she said. While acknowledging the state's allocation of funds for nonprofit security, Vider emphasized the need for continued efforts to protect Jewish institutions and other houses of worship.

Beyond security concerns, Vider highlighted the cost of living as the issue most frequently raised by constituents on the campaign trail. "Everybody’s just worried about affordability," she said, noting that property taxes, utilities, and gas prices are significant concerns for residents. Vider’s campaign priorities include property-tax relief, reducing household costs, and public safety. She describes herself as a "moderate, fiscally conservative Democrat."

Vider’s background in health care, including running an assisted-living facility, informs her policy positions. She aims to simplify the health care system for patients and providers and alleviate pressure on health care facilities. "Health care is very important. That’s my expertise," Vider stated. "We need to bring it down. We need to make sure that our senior population is being taken care of."

She also addressed what she called unfair attacks from her opponent, stating that ads have attempted to portray her as more progressive than she identifies. "To make things up and to try to diminish my reputation and have people make me out to be something that I’m completely not, just because you’re afraid of losing a seat," Vider commented.

As a mother, Vider expressed personal fears for her children’s safety in the current climate. "We’re in a very different world right now, and it’s scary," she said. "As a mother, I’m scared every day for my children when they go somewhere, and my son’s wearing his Magen David."