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Caleb Slater
Caleb Slater (Republican Party) ran for election to the New York State Senate to represent District 48. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Slater completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Caleb Slater was born in Central Islip, New York. He graduated from Dundee Central High School. He earned an associate degree from Cayuga Community College in 2016 and a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 2018. His career experience includes being self employed. He has been affiliated with Clear Path for Veterans.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: New York State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for New York State Senate District 48
Incumbent Rachel May defeated Caleb Slater in the general election for New York State Senate District 48 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Rachel May (D / Working Families Party) | 58.4 | 78,782 |
 | Caleb Slater (R)  | 41.5 | 55,980 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 144 | ||
| Total votes: 134,906 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Rachel May advanced from the Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 48.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for New York State Senate District 48
Caleb Slater defeated Fanny Villarreal in the Republican primary for New York State Senate District 48 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Caleb Slater | 55.7 | 2,636 |
| Fanny Villarreal | 43.4 | 2,055 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 39 | ||
| Total votes: 4,730 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Rachel May advanced from the Working Families Party primary for New York State Senate District 48.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Slater in this election.
Pledges
Slater signed the following pledges.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Caleb Slater completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Slater's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am the only candidate in this race who has lived in all key areas of our district—Syracuse, Auburn, and the rural Finger Lakes—giving me a unique understanding of the issues facing each region. As the only product of the New York public school system, I can speak firsthand on how to improve our schools. With a private-sector background in industrial real estate nationwide, I have insight into bringing high-paying jobs back to our region. I've seen what drives success in states like Tennessee and why New York struggles. Raised by a single mother in low-income housing, I understand the challenges of those living in Syracuse, which leads the nation in childhood poverty. My lived experience gives me the compassion and insight to advocate for real solutions. My earliest memories were in the broken foster care system. I made something of myself because of the kindness of others. I am running for New York State Senate to pay it forward and help others achieve their American Dreams too.- Only lifelong New Yorker in the race: As the only lifelong New Yorker in this race, I want voters to know I’ve walked in your shoes. Growing up in rural Dundee, I understand the concerns of forgotten residents in our small communities. I'm passionate about public education as a graduate of Dundee Central and Cayuga Community College. Having lived and worked in Auburn, I will fight for mental health services, public safety, and better jobs. As a Syracuse resident, I’ve experienced firsthand the crime issues—my house was broken into, and there was a standoff near my home. I know your concerns because I’ve lived them.
- Nonpartisan Candidate: As the only former third-party voter in this race, I understand the nuances of the issues facing Central New York. Raised by a Democrat family in a Republican-heavy town, I’ve seen both sides. I align with Democrats on healthcare, education, and supporting unions, and with Republicans on fiscal responsibility, Constitutional rights, and strengthening families. I also share the libertarians' and Green Party's focus on addressing local issues rather than nation-building. A vote for Slater is a vote for a nonpartisan candidate committed to working across the aisle to solve our challenges.
- Safeguarding constitutional rights: As the grandson of a World War II veteran who returned to a Jim Crow America and had to fight for equal protection, I am a strong defender of civil liberties. I am passionate about our Constitutional rights to free speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against unwarranted searches and seizures because of the sacrifices made to secure these freedoms for all. When I see cancel culture, attempts to ban private property rights, like gas stoves, or attacks on the right to personal defense, I push back. Freedom isn't free, and I will fiercely defend our liberty.
2. Public Safety
3. Energy
4. Economic Development
5. Lowering the Cost of living
I can particularly relate to him because he was given up for adoption, and my earliest memories are from foster care. Jobs exemplifies that no matter where you start in life, hard work and determination can lead to great achievements in America.
Transparency is equally vital. People have the right to know how decisions are made, what’s influencing those decisions, and why certain actions are taken. As an elected official, I would be committed to open communication, sharing not only my successes but also my challenges. This builds accountability and ensures that constituents are always informed about what’s happening in their government.
Lastly, being a good listener is perhaps the most important trait. Too often, politicians talk at people rather than listen to them. Listening allows leaders to understand the diverse perspectives within their communities and to craft solutions that reflect the real needs of the people. It’s through listening that an official can be a true representative of their district, addressing concerns that might otherwise go unheard. My approach will always be to listen first, ensuring that every voice is valued and considered in the decision-making process.
Loyalty is foundational in building trust with constituents, colleagues, and community partners. By being loyal to my constituents, I will prioritize their needs and concerns above all else, fostering a strong bond with the community I serve. This loyalty also extends to my commitment to ethical governance, ensuring that I remain dedicated to the principles of transparency and integrity. When people know they can count on me, it encourages greater engagement and collaboration, allowing us to work together to address the challenges our community faces.
Hard Work
Hard work is essential in public service. I understand that the responsibilities of an officeholder are significant and require dedication and perseverance. I am committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to address the issues that matter most to my constituents. This includes not only attending meetings and working on legislation but also being proactive in seeking out solutions and advocating for resources that benefit the community. My work ethic will set a standard of diligence and accountability that inspires others to engage in the political process.
Humility
Humility is crucial for effective leadership. It allows me to remain open to the ideas and perspectives of others, recognizing that I do not have all the answers. By listening to my constituents and valuing their input, I can make informed decisions that reflect the community's needs. Humility also fosters collaboration, encouraging teamwork among fellow legislators and community stakeholders. A humble leader is approachable and relatable, making it easier for constituents to share their concerns and suggestions.
Willingness to Learn
Beyond legislation, a key responsibility is helping constituents navigate government services—this area needs improvement. I’ll make my office accessible, hire a social worker for direct support, and ensure my personal phone number is available. Additionally, securing grants to bring funds back to the district is vital, and I plan to hire a dedicated grant writer for this purpose.
I also think of my Aunt Mildred, who passed away earlier this year. She dedicated her life to helping others—caring for her siblings, raising five boys on her own after her husband passed away, and looking after her father in his later years. She nurtured her son back to health after an accident and became my power of attorney when my mother fell ill in 2010. She even adopted a baby girl with autism and worked as a nurse.
I will never forget the conversation I had with my host family about how divided America remains. Hearing an outside perspective on our country's issues was shocking.
Unfortunately, it seems we've only become more divided over the last 12 years. A recent study from the Survey Center on American Life found that 52% of educated young women won't date a Republican, and the inflammatory rhetoric from our media and politicians has contributed to an increase in political violence.
We need more builders in this country, but not just those constructing facilities their own way. I strongly support entrepreneurs, startups, and individuals willing to take risks to bring value to their industries or solve societal problems.
My favorite bio I ever read that had me hooked was Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
Trust has been a difficult thing for me because of what I've been through. The more I spend time in the community however the more good I see in this world. I think it's critical that we pay it forward and treat others with dignity and respect. You never know what pain someone else is carrying with them.
This requires open communication and collaboration between the governor and the State Legislature to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Currently our State and Federal offices are filled with lawyers and career politicians. Politics is not supposed to be a career. You go in because of a passion to resolve certain key issues and then move on to something else or retire. One should not aspire to move up a political ladder as that's self serving.
Representatives should strive to build relationships not only within their own party but also across party lines. We need to return to an era reminiscent of Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan or Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton, where leaders collaborated across the aisle for the betterment of the American people. This kind of bipartisanship is crucial for effective governance.
Things like:
1. Fiscal Responsibility Act: An amendment to the Constitution that would require a blaanced budget unless sanctioned by a 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress (Failed in Senate, but passed in House)
2. Taking back our Streets Act: Funded prison construction, additional law enforcement and stronger truth in sentencing
3. American Dream Restoration Act: Created a $500-per-child tax credit
Without getting further into the weeds on this, Newt Gingrich took a data based approach to advocate for issues supported by the majority of Americans.
I love New York and all it has to offer—our four distinct seasons, the hiking trails of the Adirondack Mountains, the beaches of Long Island, the beauty of the Finger Lakes, and the great athletics at Syracuse University, the Buffalo Bills, and Madison Square Garden. I want to see our state thrive again.
Historically, one-third of all Americans trace their roots to this country through Ellis Island. New York was once a destination for those seeking a better life, not a place people fled from.
During that time, he lost his job due to his absence, was evicted from his apartment for not paying rent, and thieves took advantage of his situation, breaking in and stealing all his possessions. At trial, it was revealed that he had been falsely accused and was found not guilty. Despite this exoneration, he had lost everything.
This illustrates a significant injustice in the old system.
Under the current system, I've also spoken with law enforcement about repeat offenders. In one case, a juvenile was arrested for a home break-in, booked, fingerprinted, and given an appearance ticket. That same evening, he returned to the same home and attempted to steal the homeowner's car in retaliation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJN9mBRX3uo
Under the old system many people were held for months at a time only to be found innocent in the end. We need to respect that in America you are innocent until proven guilty by a jury of your peers, but we also don't want to risk putting those that would be found guilty back on the streets thus creating more victims.
Victims Rights New York
Dick Heller, Plaintiff in DC v Heller
Mike Didio, Former Cayuga County Legilsator
David Gould, Former Chairman of the Cayuga County Legislature
Louise Corrigan, Village of Baldwinsville Clerk
Shawn Hannon, Onondaga County Libertarian Party Chairman Emeritus
Kevin Gilligan, Former Onondaga County Legislator
Matt Beadnell, Former Onondaga County Comptroller
Melanie Vilardi, Former Fabius Town Supervisor
Charles Ray, Cato Supervisor
Jim Rowley, Former Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislator
Terry Baxter, Moravia Town Supervisor
Cities 2
Energy
Crime, Crime Victims and Correction
Education
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate New York State Senate District 48 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 26, 2024
