Rising Star of the Left: A Young Socialist’s Victory in Ithaca
Hannah Shvets, a 20-year-old member of the Communist Party USA, has made history by being elected to the Ithaca Common Council in the Fifth Ward. Her win marks a significant moment for socialist politics in upstate New York. Shvets, a Cornell University sophomore, defeated an independent candidate and former Democratic primary hopeful, G.P. Zurenda.
Her election was celebrated by the Cornell Young Democratic Socialists of America, who shared a photo of Shvets posing with a cardboard cutout of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani’s victory in New York City, where he ran against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was seen as a major shift in the political landscape.
“Our candidate Hannah Shvets has become the youngest socialist elected in US history and will be one of Ithaca’s newest Common Council members,” the group wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone who made calls, knocked doors, told your friends, and voted. This is all of our win and part of a new socialist future in America.”
Vision for Ithaca: Rent Stabilization and Housing Reform
Shvets is a strong advocate for rent stabilization and increasing housing supply in the area. She emphasized that her goal is not to harm landlords or homeowners but to ensure that rent increases are not excessive. “The majority of Ithaca are tenants,” she said. “It isn’t saying that you can’t rent out your properties. It’s not saying you can’t make any money off of them. It’s just saying those increases in profit should not be increased exorbitantly.”
She also supports stricter compliance inspections to ensure that landlords maintain their properties to proper health and safety standards. Additionally, Shvets has prioritized improving bus services, arguing that residents need more routes to better connect the community.
Community Accountability and Social Justice
Shvets has proposed the creation of a Community Accountability Board to investigate the Ithaca Police Department in cases of suspected misconduct. She is also committed to providing reparations for Black Ithacans and increasing financial support for Black community organizations.
As a staunch advocate for social justice, she pledged to ensure that Ithaca remains a sanctuary city for immigrants, individuals seeking gender-affirming care, and those accessing reproductive care. She plans to encourage officials not to cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies like ICE, which may seek to detain residents based on immigration status.
Advocacy for Palestine and Political Activism
Shvets is an outspoken supporter of Palestine and has participated in several anti-Israel protests since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Her activism reflects her broader commitment to progressive causes and social equity.
Her election coincides with the recent victory of Daniel Carson in Bangor, Maine. Carson, a Democrat, has held leadership roles within the Communist Party of Maine, which is not an official political party in the state. The Communist Party USA celebrated his win, highlighting the growing influence of socialist candidates across the country.
“Several members of the Communist Party USA, working as part of broad campaigns rooted in their communities, won elected office in a number of locales,” the party stated. “Our working class deserves a city councilor who not only understands these challenges but is ready to bring people together to find solutions.”
