Friday Morning Brief July 3, 2026

Written By Michael Avella

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Member Spotlight

Aron Wieder

This week, Assemblyman Aron Wieder joined us to discuss his district, priorities, and some of the work he has done in the Assembly. Before being elected to the Assembly, he was already serving his community as a County Legislator for Rockland, where he worked closely with his constituents to improve public safety and quality of life. Currently, he serves on various Assembly committees, including on Banks, Election Law, and Insurance.

What district do you represent? 
I proudly represent the 97th Assembly District in Rockland County, which includes the Town of Orangetown and the Town of Ramapo. It’s a diverse and vibrant district with families, small businesses, schools, and community organizations that make it a special place to serve.

What are some landmarks that are in your district? 
Our district is home to several important historic landmarks, including Revolutionary War sites in Tappan such as the DeWint House, where George Washington used the home as his headquarters during the war, the historic Old ’76 House, where British spy Major John André was held before his execution, and the André Monument, which marks the site where Major John André was executed after Benedict Arnold’s betrayal was uncovered. The district also includes Camp Shanks in Orangeburg, known as “Last Stop USA,” which played a major role during World War II as a departure point for American troops heading to Europe, as well as the Camp Shanks Museum & Monument, which preserves the history and legacy of the soldiers who passed through the camp.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly? 
Before being elected to the Assembly, I served as a Rockland County Legislator, where I worked closely with residents on local issues, community services, public safety, and improving quality of life throughout the county.

What inspired you to run for office? 
I was first inspired to run for office because I saw friends of children with special needs struggling to get the support and services they deserved. Seeing those challenges firsthand motivated me to step up, advocate for families in need, and work to make government more responsive and accessible to the people it serves.

What were some priorities you worked on this year, including local issues? 
My office is primarily focused on constituent services every day of the year, helping residents navigate issues and ensuring their concerns are addressed. Alongside that day-to-day work, I also advance legislative priorities that respond directly to community needs. This year, I passed legislation to allow out-of-state corrections officers to serve in Rockland County jails, helping strengthen staffing and support public safety operations.

Any legislative achievements you want to share? 
One legislative achievement I am particularly proud of is a bill expected to come to a vote on the Assembly floor today that would require all unclaimed human remains to be entered into the national database NamUs. This legislation improves identification efforts, helps bring closure to families, and ensures better coordination between agencies.
It also helps ensure dignity for the deceased, including those from Jewish and Muslim communities, by allowing organizations to step in and provide proper burial in accordance with religious practices rather than defaulting to cremation.

What advice would you give to young folks who wants to get more involved in politics? 
My advice to young people who want to get more involved in politics is to stay focused, be consistent, and most importantly, have patience. Progress in public service takes time, and persistence matters. I also strongly believe it’s important to find a good mentor, someone experienced who can guide you, offer perspective, and help you grow as you get involved.


Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.comto set up an interview!

 2026 Legislative Primary Results 


In last week’s primary elections, several incumbents were unseated by their challengers, and DSA candidates won several key races. In total, 8 DSA candidates won their primaries, alongside 8 incumbents expected to win the general election in November. While some expressed concerns about the implications of DSA's victories in this year primary, many Democratic lawmakers, including the outgoing Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, criticized those concerns. "The idea that Tuesday’s results hurt Dems or that the victors have something to be sorry about reeks of the top-down arrogance making our party unpopular," tweeted Gianaris. 

One notable DSA victory was in the open primary for the Gianaris' seat, where DSA-endorsed Aber Kawas defeated Assemblymember Steven Raga. Although Raga is a member of NYC-DSA, Kawas was endorsed by the party and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In the Assembly, several DSA challengers were able to unseat incumbents, including Christian Tate, who defeated Assemblymember Erik Dilan, and Eon Huntley, who defeated Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman. Notably, Zinerman’s district overlaps with that of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who supported Zinerman. Outside of NYC, DSA-endorsed Onondaga County legislator Mo Brown (notably also endorsed by Senator Rachel May) was able to unseat longtime sitting Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli by just over 100 votes. Because Brown won by nearly 1% of the total vote, there will not be an automatic recount, leading Magnarelli to concede to Brown earlier this week. 

Additionally, several non-DSA candidates unseated incumbents in their primary challenges, including former NYC Councilmember and Deputy Council Speaker Diana Ayala, who defeated Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs. In the Senate, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas defeated incumbent Jessica Ramos, and Assemblymember Jon Rivera defeated incumbent Jeremy Zellner, who was elected earlier this year in a controversial special election. In an open primary for outgoing Senator Brian Kavanagh’s seat, Assemblymember Grace Lee was able to defeat former Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou. 

In the open primary for Assemblymember Raga’s seat, the BOE recently announced that there will be an automatic recount because Shamsul Haque, a progressive former police officer, and Patrick Martinez, the nephew of former Queens County Democratic Party Chair Joe Crowley, were neck-and-neck, with the difference in votes being less than 0.5%. As of Thursday afternoon, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win the primary. 

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul touted that the state has disbursed nearly $189 million in food assistance for nearly 1.6 million low-income children across the state. Disbursed through the summer EBT program, it is estimated that $240 million in total would be disbursed for nearly 2 million children by the Fall. Each eligible child is expected to get $120 to help pay for food during the summer, when students lose access to free school meals. This complements Hochul’s commitment to addressing affordability and ensuring that all children in the state have easy access to food. “At a time when vital nutrition programs like SNAP face continued attacks in Washington, Summer EBT puts money back in the pockets of New York’s working families, helping them afford to buy healthy food during the summer months when schools are out of session, and many children lose access to free school meals,” explained Hochul. 


Earlier this week, Hochul touted the DFS’s new guidance for auto insurers to incorporate expected savings from recently enacted FY2027 Budget reforms into pending and future rate filings. Under the guidance, auto insurers are expected to attain some savings as the approved reforms address several cost drivers, including staged accidents, insurance fraud, excessive litigation, and rate increases, and include changes such as expanding the definition of fraudulent insurance acts. The guidance also builds upon the state’s affordability commitment by addressing rising insurance premiums. “Since taking office, I have been committed to making New York safer and more affordable, and that includes driving down the cost of auto insurance,” explained Hochul. 


On Tuesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of more than $106 million in capital grants to expand child care capacity across the state. Disbursed through the Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program, 37 shovel-ready projects will be supported to help create, preserve, or expand up to 5,000 childcare seats. With this disbursement, the state has disbursed a total of $150 million, supporting an estimated 5,500 seats. This complements the state’s commitment to expanding affordable childcare, as Hochul and the Legislature recently approved a statewide pathway to universal childcare. “These investments will help communities across the state create and improve childcare facilities, giving more families access to the care they need while supporting working parents and strengthening local economies,” said Hochul. 


On Monday, Hochul announced the launch of a $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program to provide direct relief to farmers affected by rising costs and market losses tied to federal tariff policies. First proposed as part of Hochul’s State of the State and approved by lawmakers in the FY2027 Enacted Budget, the state will provide payments ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to eligible dairy, livestock, specialty crop, and aquaculture producers. It is expected that the payments will provide temporary relief to farmers facing rising costs and reduced export opportunities. The program complements the state’s commitment to supporting the agriculture industry, especially small farmers and producers. “I promised to stand up and fight for our farmers, and I’m proud that our Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide the much-needed relief to New York’s farmers who feed our communities,” said Hochul. 

Late last week, Hochul joined Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez in announcing a 176-count indictment charging 22 alleged members of a Brooklyn-based street gang in connection with a series of violent crimes, including 26 shootings, one homicide, and 12 non-fatal shootings across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Touted as part of her commitment to improving public safety and cracking down on crime, the indictment comes from a long-term investigation by the NYC and the state’s investment of nearly $4 billion in law enforcement and increased funding for district attorneys. “This indictment is proof that when we give our law enforcement partners the tools they need, crime declines and New Yorkers are safer,” said Hochul. 

Early last week, Hochul joined the Buffalo Bills and Erie County leaders to announce the completion of the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The stadium is one of the largest construction projects in Western New York history and helped ensure that the Bills will stay in the region for the next 30 years. The 60,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium spans 1.6 million square feet and includes modern fan amenities, improved accessibility, advanced heating and snow-melt systems, new video boards, public art, and weather-protection features designed for Western New York winters. The stadium is expected to bring long-term economic benefits that would exceed the total public contribution to the project. The project complements Hochul’s commitment to investing in projects that will bring economic prosperity and tourism into local economies. “This state-of-the-art facility represents a historic investment in our community, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and delivering a world-class experience for the best fans in the NFL,” explained Hochul. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Lawmakers React to SCOTUS Allowing Mail-In Ballot to be Postmarked by Election Day

After SCOTUS ruled 5-4 to uphold a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days to be counted, lawmakers praised the decision, including Senate Elections Chair Kristen Gonzalez and state AG Tish James. In a statement, James explained that “All eligible Americans should be able to exercise that constitutional right, free from roadblocks and unnecessary restrictions.” Similarly, Gonzalez explained that “Mail-in voting is essential to keeping our elections accessible and allowing as many people as possible to participate in the democratic process.” However, some GOP lawmakers, including the Assembly Republican Leader, criticized the ruling, saying, “At a time when confidence in our elections remains fragile, we should be reinforcing clear, consistent rules – not creating more uncertainty.” The ruling comes after a federal judge ordered President Trump’s Executive Order to create a federal voter list and limit the eligibility for mail-in ballots.

State and Federal Government's Dueling Lawsuits Over Recently Enacted Immigration Protection Laws

Last week, the state and the Trump Administration filed dueling lawsuits over new state immigration laws that were enacted in this year’s Final Budget. Initially, the federal Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the state alleging that the ban on federal immigration officers wearing a mask and the prohibition of 287(g) agreements endanger the lives of federal agents and violate the U.S. Constitution. However, the state’s lawsuit, led by AG James, alleges that the federal government is violating the Tenth Amendment right to regulate conduct and ensure public safety within its borders. Additionally, the state alleges that the Justice Department is attempting to forum shop by filing its lawsuit in Buffalo. “If the federal government wants to brazenly defy our laws, then we will fight tooth and nail in court to ensure transparency and keep all New Yorkers safe,” said James.

Assemblymember Santabarbara Warns of Disruption from DOJ Memo on Disability Rights Protection

After the federal Justice Department published a memo on altering how the federal government interprets how states should pay for caring for individuals with disabilities, the Assembly Chair of People With Disabilities Committee, Angelo Santabarbara, sent a letter to the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities requesting a review. “We want to make sure we’re protected. If there are gaps, that must be a priority, whether that’s legislation or funding, whatever form it takes,” explained Santabarbara. In the memo, the Justice Department explained that the 1999 SCOTUS case that set the precedent for states to follow lacks a “sufficient legislative record.” “We have to be prepared to not have support based on this memo from the federal government on an issue like this,” warned Santabarbara.

Assemblymember Solages Joins Congressional Democrats to Advocate for TPS Bill


Last week, Assemblymember Michaelle Solages joined congressional Democrats in announcing a bill that would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian refugees, following SCOTUS's 6-3 ruling allowing the federal DHS to terminate TPS for Haitian and Syrian refugees. Solages, who is a daughter of Haitian immigrants and the first person of Haitian descent elected to the Legislature, explained that the Haitian community has heavily contributed to the US and sending refugees back to Haiti amidst political instability, violence and humanitarian issues would be “both dangerous and deeply unjust." Currently, she has been providing updates to Haitian communities in her district, which is home to several Haitian enclaves. 

ELECTION UPDATES

DSA's DAC Defeats Espaillat in Closely Watched Congressional Primary

In a closely watched primary, DSA challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Avila Chevalier, backed by Mamdani, won by roughly 2,000 votes, with 49.4% of the total. Espaillat, who Hochul endorsed, received 45.9% of the vote. While Avila Chevalier won the plurality of younger, college-educated, higher-income, and Black voters, Espaillat won the plurality of lower-income and Hispanic voters. Joined by Mamdani at her victory party, Avila Chevalier said, “For too long, uptown and the Bronx have been overlooked, let down, and neglected. That ends today.” 

Mamdani-endorsed Claire Valdez and Brad Lander Won Their Respective Primaries

In addition to Avila Chevalier, Mamdani-endorsed Assemblymember Claire Valdez and former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander were able to win their respective primary races. In the open primary race for outgoing Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s seat, Valdez was able to defeat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, whom Velázquez endorsed, with 56.1% of the total votes. Reynoso received only 35.8% of the total votes. Lander, who was primarying against Rep. Dan Goldman, won quickly on Election Night with 65.8% of the total votes, while Goldman received only 34%. With Valdez and Lander winning their respective primaries in Democratic-majority districts, they are expected to win the General in November. 

Assemblymember Micah Lasher Won Open Primary for Jerry Nadler's Seat

In another closely watched congressional primary, Assemblymember Micah Lasher was able to win the open primary for outgoing Rep. Jerry Nadler’s seat, defeating several candidates, including Assemblymember Alex Bores and Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg. Lasher won with 39.1% of the total votes, while Bores got 35% and Schlossberg got 10.8%. Lasher, who was viewed as a hand-picked successor to Nadler and endorsed by Hochul, won the plurality of older, college-educated, lower-income, and higher-income voters. Bores was only able to get the plurality of younger voters. “I will always stand up for our community with pride,” said Lasher. 


Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader Welcome Incoming New DSA Members


With DSA candidates winning several key legislative primaries, including for outgoing Assemblymember Grace Lee’s Manhattan district and Assemblymember Jon Rivera’s Buffalo district, there will now be up to 16 DSA lawmakers. Several other DSA-aligned candidates, including Brian Romero, who won the primary for outgoing Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas’s Queens district, are noted by many observers as having increased influence in the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie emphasized that he has no issues with DSA members, saying, “I’ve had no issues with the current DSA members, and in my conversations with them, they seem excited and looking forward to working with me in the conference.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reiterated similar comments, saying that the “Senate Democratic Conference is a big tent” and “Our current DSA members have been positive and productive Senators and, like all our members, helped improve the lives of New Yorkers. Adding new voices and perspectives is always welcome, as we work together as a unified team for the betterment of New York.” 

OTHER UPDATES

Mamdani and City Council Agree to Final NYC Budget

On Tuesday morning, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin announced an agreement on the $128.5 billion NYC Final Budget after an agreement seem unlikely due to Mamdani refused to expand CityFHEPS rental assistance program, reversal of his previous campaign promise to implement CityFHEPS However fully, Mamdani and Menin explained that they reached a compromise in which NYC will launch a new voucher program with a $175 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a $125 million of that allocation continuing as recurring funding for years ahead. The expansion of CityFHEPS would have cost roughly $1 billion annually in addition to the existing $1.8 billion annual cost. 

Additionally, Mamdani reversed his initial plan to increase the NYPD headcount, which 5 GOP Councilmembers cited as one of their main reasons for voting no on the Budget. One Democratic Councilmember, Althea Stevens, also voted against the Budget explaining that the agreement will not allocate enough direct assistance for her district in the Bronx. Although the agreement came 15 hours before the legal deadline, Mamdani and Menin touted the Final Budget, with Mamdani calling it “Honest budgeting, fiscal discipline, transparent government, and an unwavering belief that working people deserve a City Hall that delivers for them every single day.” 

NYC Rent Guidelines Board Agree to Rent Freeze


After promising to freeze rents during his campaign last year, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted 7-1 to freeze rents on roughly 1 million rent-stabilized buildings, covering both one- and two-year leases for roughly 2 million tenants, starting with leases signed in October. "After reviewing the data and hearing from New Yorkers across the city, the independent RGB has delivered a freeze on one-year leases and the first-ever freeze on two- year leases in our city’s history. This is the relief that working people across our city deserve,” explained Mamdani.

However, some landlord groups have indicated they may file a lawsuit, arguing that the move was political and not based on current data on the condition of rent-stabilized properties. Additionally, they argue that the vote required all nine members to be present, as the Board was missing one individual after landlord representative Christina Smyth resigned in protest earlier that day. In her resignation letter, Smyth said that the Board has “become a body that starts with an answer and vibe codes its way backward to justify it” and that the freeze was already “decided last year on the campaign trail.”


Eric Adams' Zombie Charter Revision Commission Sues the State and NYC


With the “zombie” Charter Revision Commission set to be officially dismantled in the coming days, the Commission, led by former First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, filed a lawsuit against Mamdani, Hochul, the state Board of Elections, and the City Clerk. Joined by GOP Councilmember Vickie Paladino, former Governor David Paterson, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella joined the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that Mamdani illegally directed Hochul and the Legislature to agree to a provision in the Enacted State Budget that would dismantle the Commission, which had proposed implementing an open primary in NYC. “New York City voters have the right to decide what kind of local election system they want…not politicians making backroom deals,” explained Mastro. The Mamdani Administration said it is “prepared to defend the state law authorizing the termination of the commission.” 

SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship


Amidst a flurry of decisions before SCOTUS concluded its term Tuesday, the Court struck down President Trump’s Executive Order that would have denied birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and temporary foreign residents born in the US on constitutional grounds. In a 6-3 official decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to 'every free-born person in this land.”

Although Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the majority opinion, he explained that automatic citizenship was granted by the 1952 McCarran-Walter Act, not by the Constitution, leading some observers to note that the official decision was decided on a 5-4 vote. Justices who dissented were Clarence Thomas, who led the leading dissent, Neil Gorsuch, and Samuel Alito. Thomas noted that the 14th Amendment was only meant for former enslaved individuals and their descendants. Trump has criticized the decision and called on Congress to pass a bill to end birthright citizenship.

FIRM SPOTLIGHT

D&A's SVP Mike Avella Jr. and Partner Chrissy Dickinson were recently named to City & State's 2026 Who's Who in Sports!!! Mike's and Chrissy's excerpt below:


Mike's Excerpt

Among the consortium of lobbying firms retained by Mets owner Steve Cohen in his effort to bring the Metropolitan Park proposal to fruition was Dickinson & Avella. Mike Avella Jr., a big Mets fan himself, pushed state legislators to pass the parkland alienation package required to turn the parking lot at Citi Field into a Hard Rock casino and entertainment complex, while lobbying for other team interests like reforming the ticket reselling process. The firm also works with the Yankees, Rivers Casino Schenectady, the Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council.

Chrissy's Excerpt

One of the founding partners at Dickinson & Avella, Christina Dickinson relies on her experience in the counsel’s office for state Senate Democrats as she guides clients, including the New York Yankees, through their dealings with government. The Albany lobbying firm has assisted Yankee corporate interests on many issues over the years, including the MLB’s return to full-season play following the COVID-19 pandemic, ticket resale regulations and, more recently, implementing a discount for state residents at major sporting events. While Dickinson is a Yankee fan, the firm also works with the Mets.

Other Interesting Friday Reads

The socialists are about to test Kathy Hochul - POLITICO

The rise of Tammamdani Hall - City & State New York

With growing numbers in Albany, DSA is the new kid on the bloc - City & State New York

Factions emerge among NY Dems: Zohran Mamdani’s socialists vs. Tom Suozzi’s capitalists - Gothamist

How democratic socialists reshaped the Central New York political landscape - Central Current

Assemblyman Jordan Wright celebrates June primary win - Spectrum News1

NY-21: Poll suggests tight race between Constantino and Gendebien - WWNY-TV

The Legislative Gazette - Primaries were held this week, and we’ll take a look at two races receiving national attention | WAMC

City revives long-stalled element of Rikers closure plan — Queens Daily Eagle

NY lawmakers weigh in on birthright citizenship ruling - Newsday

Tweet of the Week

 

Read Past Issues of the Brief

Featured
Friday Morning Brief July 3, 2026
Friday Morning Brief July 3, 2026
Friday Morning Brief June 19, 2026
Friday Morning Brief June 19, 2026
Sunday Morning Brief June 7, 2026
Sunday Morning Brief June 7, 2026

Subscribe to the D&A Friday Morning Brief

* indicates required

here is another blog

Michael Avella
Next

Friday Morning Brief June 19, 2026