Hasime "Samantha" Zherka

Samantha Zherka was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. She is a public advocate and public adjuster fighting for the rights of families ravaged by  disasters. She is the proud daughter of hard-working Albanian immigrants who came to America with only their determination to succeed and a strong work ethic. Samantha’s father was brutally tortured by the communist regime in Albania and all of his property was seized by the government. She understands all too well the evils of communism and the wolf in sheep's clothing that is socialism.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Legal Studies from Mercy College and went on to Touro Law School. Samantha left law school after she tragically lost her beloved son, Nicholas. While no parent should ever have to bury their child, Nicholas’ passion and spirit to serve lives on. Samantha dealt with the tragedy and adversity by focusing on helping other families overcome their own crises. She now owns and manages several successful businesses in the insurance and construction sector. 

Samantha ran for State Senate in 2022 and almost won as an underdog candidate against the Democratic machine. Now she wants to take that same passion and energy and pull off an upset for the people of district 13!