Described by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and "The New York Times" as a conservative Democrat, Hikind believes that the national party has moved too far to the left, particularly on social issues, for the liking of many of his constituents. His district had long been one of the most conservative districts in New York City. For instance, it gave Donald Trump 69 percent of the vote in 2016, his second-best showing in the entire state; only the Staten Island-based 62nd Assembly District gave him a higher percentage of the vote. In 2012, it gave Romney 75 percent of the vote, his best showing in the state.