Ever since Jonathan (Jonny) Gerstein ’21 convinced me to spend a sunny fall Saturday phone banking for the Anthony Brindisi campaign, I‘ve been in awe of the ambition and determination that he brings to his cause. His energetic leadership in the Brindisi Utica office and the Hamilton College Democrats, combined with his ability to coordinate dozens of volunteers and enthusiastically articulate of his passion for the issues, are testaments to his drive to excel in his work and prioritize students’ involvement in the process.
So when Gerstein was elected last Sunday as President of the College Democrats of New York — a position that finds him responsible for leading the thirty-three chapters across the colleges and communities of New York State (the biggest federation of the College Democrats of America) — I was not surprised.
He and his running-mate Isabel Serrano, a junior at New York University, set an ambitious platform with the goal of “Amplifying Student Voices.” The first of three pillars in their agenda includes getting more Democrats elected; in this capacity, Gerstein and Serrano seek to partner with the National Democratic Training Committee and provide 24/7 access to online resources, run statewide training online seminars beyond the sometimes-inaccessible in-person trainings, and coordinate a training summit to identify the future campaign staffers for the 2020 elections.
The second pillar involves doing more to support the chapters of New York State. Gerstein plans to initiate a chapter liaison program, in which chapters partner with local legislative staff to improve their contacts and strengthen their network of alumni and young staffers who seek to help. During his tenure, he says he wants to increase the chapters in New York State from the current 33 to 80–100 — one chapter per county.
Gerstein speaks about his platform’s third pillar — actively engaging diverse constituencies — with excitement. He expresses his concern for the students trying to pay off their college loans who put in 30–40 hours a week on a campaign without any compensation and is interested in providing stipends for unpaid campaign work, which he hopes will be a “huge step toward racially and economically diversifying the party.” He also hopes to more actively involve two- and four-year public schools and establish SUNY, CUNY, and community college caucus chairs, as he feels these schools, which often have fewer resources at their disposal, have been underrepresented in the College Democrat force.
His involvement with the College Democrats of America umbrella organization started with his work on the Brindisi campaign over a year ago, where worked over summer with Professor Philip Klinkner’s Congressional Campaign class, continuing this work into the fall. In collaboration with Ben Rhind ’19 and Sam Gordon ’19, he was inspired to revitalize the Hamilton College Democrats chapter in the wake of the midterms. Jonny says he found that “congressional campaigns were a unique experience because they are less hierarchical,” and the connections he made during the process show how he was able to take advantage of this structure. He spoke of his willingness to take on responsibility, seek advice from various advisors and Professor Klinkner, and keep his eyes out for opportunities; today, he is personally acquainted with several campaign managers, field organizers, and assembly members. Despite running opposed, Gerstein says his passion for the job has not wavered. He was adamant about remaining visible to other chapters while running. He participated in dozens of video-conference Q+A’s, talked with chapter presidents and vice presidents daily, and secured 17 formal endorsements or expressions of support out of the 19 chapters represented at a recent convention. He spoke admirably of the support and guidance he received from two prominent New York Democrats, Assemblymember Michael Blake and Congresswoman Grace Meng, with whom he is well acquainted with.
Gerstein, a Government major, plans to study off-campus next year in Albany with an assembly internship program. He admitted that he is “addicted to campaign work” and hopes to stay involved with campaigns, specifically competitive ones, after graduation and beyond. He says that, above all, he wants to continue being a part of the Democratic party and its grassroots movements however he can.
Gerstein’s advice for students looking to stay informed and involved with politics and campaign work is to show up to Hamilton College Democrats meetings and ask to participate in local races. He is passionate about improving representation for students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. He says maintains faith in the idea that the party’s work starts now; he believes that spreading the Democrats’ mission as much as possible at the local level is the best way to make a difference. Look out for Jonny Gerstein and his mission to amplify student voices.
