Attorney Shontell Smith, longtime Albany chief of staff and chief counsel to the New York State Senate Majority Conference, spoke with Capital Tonight about the challenges Democrats are facing this election year.

Smith, a partner at Tusk Strategies, commented on the political implications of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget, saying that it could have impacts on both legislative and congressional races.

Smith participated in multiple budget negotiations during the Cuomo administration while serving as chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.

She questioned Hochul’s decision to eliminate the save-harmless provision of the Foundation Aid formula in an election year. Save-harmless ensures that districts receive no less aid than they received the year before.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the decision, and may restore save-harmless before the final budget is enacted. 

“One thing I know, in the budget, the most important thing as a staffer and as a legislator, is school funding,” Smith said. “So, you’re going to tell me that some schools are not going to get more money? Parents are going to go… I won’t say the word, but you know what they’re going to go.”

At the same time, Hochul wants to dig into the state’s rainy day fund to ensure New York City has funding to house the on-going influx of migrants.

“What I found interesting was the messaging the Republicans are using,” Smith said. “They’re like, hey, you’re giving money to migrants and you’re cutting schools. This is not a winning message for Democrats.”

Most Democrats in New York agree that 2024 is critical for them.

In 2022, Democrats failed to win all but one of the most competitive House races, something former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi blamed on New York’s leadership.

When asked if the state party needs to be shaken up, Smith conceded that it may be time for State Party Chair Jay Jacobs to turn over the keys to someone else.

“I think the governor is the head of the state. I think she’s doing a good job and she’s making the hard decisions,” Smith said. “I do think there should be a little mix up in the state party. I don’t think we did well the last elections. That’s my personal opinion.”

Smith’s analysis is that the party needs a political strategist.

“If you think about Gov. Cuomo, he was a micromanager. He ran campaigns. And the good thing about Jay Jacobs was that he basically raised money. He was a prolific fundraiser. Thank you,” Smith said, punctuating her point. “But Kathy Hochul is also a prolific fundraiser. So (Democrats) need a strategic person to really focus on these seats because everything’s on the line.”

New York’s congressional maps are currently being redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission.