ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In the wake of the 2024 General Election, New Yorkers voted some new faces into the Assembly. According to the Associated Press, at least 18 seats will have new representatives.
Tommy John Schiavoni, a former teacher and Southampton Town Board member, grew up working at his family’s Sag Harbor plumbing business. He sat on the North Haven Village Board, Southampton Zoning Board, and Sag Harbor School Board. The Schiavoni campaign said that he'll prioritize water quality, clean energy, affordable housing, and support for small businesses. He defeated Republican Stephen Kiely by 12 points.
Noah Burroughs, a teacher and trustee in Hempstead Village, championed education reform. His campaigns have concerned private funding for charter schools, fair wages for workers, and spiking mortgage interest rates making it harder for families to get by. He beat Republican Danielle Smikle in the race for the seat on Long Island.
Larinda Hooks ran unopposed. The longtime community organizer in Queens has fought to improve public schools, create jobs, and increase affordable housing, according to her campaign. Concerned with affordable healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and quality education programs, she has previously worked with the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association.
Claire Valdez ran unopposed. The Latina union organizer and democratic socialist said she's working to build affordable, vibrant neighborhoods in Queens. She has called for affordable housing, workers' rights, universal healthcare, and reliable public transit so people can thrive even if they're not wealthy. She contrasted spiking rent and healthcare costs with low, stagnant wages, saying that corporate and billionaire profits push out longtime residents.
Kalman Yeger ran unopposed. The conservative Democrat has said he backs emergency responders, repairs for parks, and street improvements. He vowed to fight for public safety, affordability, and strong constituent services if elected. He has said that he's helped secure tax rebates and tax exemptions for New Yorkers, and that he'd put people first and defend against threats to community well-being.
Micah Lasher ran unopposed. The lifelong Manhattan resident and longtime public servant backs affordable housing, mental health care, and strong public schools. He previously served as Director of Policy under Gov. Kathy Hochul, helping to pass gun control, protect abortion, and index minimum wage to inflation. He also secured over $400 million for park projects. His priorities include exclusionary zoning, climate change, and public safety.
Harlem native Jordan Wright supports affordable housing and better access to youth services and well-paying jobs. He wants to address rising rent and prevent displacement though community-driven housing. He backs small businesses and has proposed expanding apprenticeship programs. He has also said that public safety reform should balance security with a focus on access to mental healthcare.
Bronx native Emérita Torres wants more jobs, affordable housing, and quality healthcare for her constituents. After almost 20 years of public policy experience, her campaign focused on economic security and opportunity by boosting local businesses, enforcing tenant protections, expanding housing, and improving public school funding.
Patrick Carroll, a Clarkstown Town Councillor, promised to fight overdevelopment and protect taxpayers. He advocates for more resources for schools and law enforcement, and wants to reduce both taxes and government spending. He also prioritizes environmental concerns, supporting green technology, clean water, clean transportation, and zero-waste initiatives.
Aron Wieder defeated incumbent Republican John McGowan to become the second Hasidic Assemblymember in New York. The longtime Rockland County resident has served as a local legislator and school board president. His campaign and community efforts focus on economic development, low property taxes, improving local infrastructure, and advocating for fiscal responsibility and social justice.
Gabriella Romero, Albany's first Latina public defender elected to the 6th Ward, backed improvements to public spaces, supporting tenant and worker rights, and greater government transparency. As a lawyer, she fought to improve workforce protections, prevent crime, and reform the system. She created outreach programs connecting neighbors while pushing for housing, healthcare, good jobs, and reproductive rights.
With years of experience in the Livingston County Clerk's Office and the private sector, Andrea Bailey's campaign focused on community issues and delivering effective services. She said she wants to bring common sense to Albany. Bailey also served on the Geneseo Town Board.
Patrick Chludzinski, a military veteran and law enforcement officer, said his campaign was committed to addressing public safety and affordability. The first-time candidate said he'd stand up to Albany special interests. The Cheektowaga native was as a patrolman, sergeant, and lieutenant in the local police department. He also served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With 15 years of legislative experience, Paul Bologna ran for the seat left vacant by Assemblymember Mike Norris. Bologna, Norris' chief of staff, has worked for Erie and Niagara Counties. His campaign has said that he supports local control over decisions like energy projects. He also wants better availability of affordable child care and tax credits, so people don't have to choose between careers and family.
Joe Sempolinski, a former U.S. Congressmember for New York's 23rd District, succeeds Assemblyman Joseph Giglio. The lifelong Southern Tier resident was Giglio's chief of staff. The constitutional conservative opposes what his campaign characterizes as Albany's far-left agenda. He wants to rebuild the local economy, focus on job growth, and fight inflation while defending the Constitution.
Andrew Molitor wants to increase public safety and grow businesses while lowering the price of utilities and the cost of living. The prosecutor has said he's committed to supporting police, repealing laws that favor criminals, and ending sanctuary state policy. He also said he'd cut taxes, reduce regulations, and better fund education.
As of November 8, eight races for Assembly Districts remain undecided. Two of the races are between non-incumbents, so New York is guaranteed at least two new legislators. According to the Associated Press, those undecided races are:
