Member Spotlight

John Zaccaro

Assemblymember John Zaccaro joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and some of the work he has done in Albany this year. Even before being elected to the Assembly, he was serving his community in various roles, including as a Chief of Staff to a NYC Councilmember. Currently, he serves on various committees, including on Education, Small Business, Housing, and Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.

What district do you represent?
I’m proud to represent the 80th Assembly District in the Bronx — home to the incredible neighborhoods of Allerton, Bronx Park East, Indian Village, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Pelham Gardens, Norwood, and Van Nest. The Bronx is full of energy, culture, and community spirit, and I’m honored to fight for the people who make these neighborhoods so special every day.

What are some landmarks in your district?
Where do I even begin? The Bronx has more green space than any other borough, so we’ve got some amazing outdoor gems. The Pelham Parkway Greenway is a neighborhood favorite, and of course, the world-famous Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are right here in our backyard.
Our neighborhoods are landmarks in their own way too. Morris Park is known for its incredible Italian heritage, amazing restaurants, and thriving small businesses. And I’m especially proud to represent Little Yemen, New York City’s newest cultural district — a vibrant community filled with incredible Yemeni food, cafés, culture, and annual celebrations that bring people together.

What is your favorite New York sports team?
No question — the New York Yankees!

Any favorite music genres, artists, or bands?
I’d say my music taste is pretty diverse and eclectic. Growing up in the Bronx — the birthplace of hip hop — that music was always part of the culture and soundtrack of life around me. But at home, I also grew up listening to smooth jazz and salsa while cooking in the kitchen with my grandmother, and spending time in church introduced me to gospel and contemporary Christian music.
Music has always been a big part of my life because it has the power to shift a mood, uplift people, and sometimes say things words simply can’t. No matter the genre, I love music that brings people together and tells a story.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
Public service has always been my passion. I was born and raised in the Bronx by a single mother, and those experiences shaped my commitment to giving back to the community that raised me.
I started in government as a teenager interning at the New York City Council and worked my way through different roles in public service before becoming Chief of Staff to Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Chair of the City Council’s Land Use Committee. Every step of that journey taught me the importance of fighting for working families and making government accessible and responsive to the people it serves.

How did your previous experience help you serve your constituents in the Assembly?
Growing up in the Bronx and spending most of my career in public service gives me a personal understanding of the challenges many families face every day. My experience in city government taught me how to navigate agencies, bring people together, and deliver real results for the community.
That’s the same approach I bring to the Assembly — staying connected to residents, being present in the community, and making sure people know they have someone fighting for them every single day.

What are some of the priorities you are working on this year?
Right now, families are feeling the pressure of rising costs everywhere — from groceries to housing to everyday essentials. While Washington can sometimes feel stuck, I’m focused on delivering real solutions for the people of the 80th Assembly District and all New Yorkers.
I’m also continuing the fight against illegal cannabis grow houses and illegal dispensaries, while working to strengthen public safety and improve quality of life across our neighborhoods.

Are there any specific issues impacting your district?
Like many communities across New York, we’re dealing with a housing crisis and ongoing economic challenges. My priority is making sure people can continue to live with dignity and stay in the communities they call home. That means working closely with city and state agencies to connect residents with the support, services, and resources they need.

What advice would you give to young people who want to get involved in politics?
If you care about your community, get involved. Volunteer, intern with local organizations like I did, visit community centers, and connect with local government offices. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect moment” to make a difference.
Most importantly, stay engaged. Go to Community Board meetings, neighborhood association meetings, ask questions, and hold leaders accountable. Your voice matters more than you think.

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 Closing Remarks by Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

2026 Legislative Session Officially Concludes

On Friday night, the Assembly officially adjourned after the Senate adjourned after midnight, concluding this year’s legislative session. Although the Legislature had little over a week after the Final Budget was enacted, lawmakers were able to pass hundreds of bills, including several notable ones.

One notable bill passed by both chambers was a constitutional ame ndment allowing the state to conduct mid-decade redistricting. Additionally, the amendment would remove the prohibition on political gerrymandering and empower the Legislature to exercise greater control over the redistricting process if the Independent Redistricting Commission cannot agree on a map. Democratic lawmakers explained that the amendment would allow the state to respond to gerrymandering nationwide and protect the voices of historically marginalized communities. “This is the hand vicious partisan politics around the country have dealt us. We have to meet fire with fire,” explained Senator Pat Fahy.

However, Republican lawmakers criticized Democratic lawmakers, arguing that they did not support Republican-led states conducting mid-decade redistricting and accusing Democrats of passing the amendment for political gain. “If another state manipulates its maps for partisan gain, that doesn’t make it virtuous. If Republicans somewhere do something wrong, Democrats doing the same thing doesn’t make it right,” explained Assemblymember Josh Jensen. Similarly in the Senate, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said, “What has been done in the other states is wrong, but we should not be doing the same thing.”

Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, who led the push for mid-decade redistricting, accused Republican lawmakers of overlooking the national complications if the state does not pass the amendment. “We do not operate in a vacuum in New York State. We are one of 50. We are electing members of Congress who don’t just sit in New York State; they go to Washington. This process is one that undoubtedly has national implications,” explained Gianaris. Gianaris also said that the amendment would have to be passed again next year and then be approved by voters. “If you respect the voters, give them a choice,” explained Gianaris.

Aside from mid-decade constitutional redistricting, the Legislature also passed a constitutional amendment that would require certain elections outside NYC to be held in even-numbered years. This amendment would also have to pass again next year before it is placed on the ballot for voters’ approval.

With the legislative session officially adjourned, lawmakers will head back to their districts, where many will face primaries and then the general election in November. In her closing remarks, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained that lawmakers worked on various important issues, including immigration, affordability, and childcare, but said more work is needed in the next session. “There is always going to be more work to do. But this session demonstrated what is possible when we remained focused on the people who elected us to serve,” said Stewart-Cousins.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Ahead of the World Cup next week, Hochul announced the launch of NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund to expand youth access to soccer. The $6 million fund is expected to support the construction and renovation of soccer fields, youth programming, and the provision of equipment and resources to underserved communities across the state. Eligible projects will receive between $75,000 and $200,000 and will cover a maximum of 50 percent of eligible costs from the new fund. In addition to helping communities get affordable access to watch and enjoy the World Cup, the fund is part of a larger statewide strategy to maximize the economic, tourism, and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the World Cup, and to complement Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign. “As kids across New York see the World Cup excitement unfold this summer, we are making it easier for them to play the beautiful game, with $6 million for communities to be able to build soccer infrastructure, drive down fees and allow all children to have safe and healthy activities for years to come,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the completion of a $28 million affordable and supportive housing development in the city of Watertown, Jefferson County. The new four-story Apartments at Mill & Main include 31 supportive homes for individuals in need of services, including those at risk of becoming unhoused. Part of the state’s $25 billion Housing Plan, the new development is part of the state’s effort to create or preserve more than 2,300 affordable homes in the North Country, including more than 800 in Jefferson County. “To make New York more affordable, we need to attack the housing crisis from every angle and create strong, livable communities that provide individuals and families the stability they need to thrive,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced more than $82 million in capital funding for 132 nonprofit arts and cultural projects across the state. The investment is expected to help awarded nonprofits and projects with facility renovations, accessibility improvements, new creative spaces, and infrastructure upgrades to expand public access to the arts, support job creation, and boost local economies. Additionally, 77% of awards are going to organizations with budgets under $3 million. The funding builds on the state’s commitment to supporting arts and cultural centers across the state to boost local economies and enrich the state’s cultural history. “Our continued investments in museums, theaters and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture,” said Hochul.

Alongside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Hochul announced the launch of NYC’s application process for free, full-day care for two-year-olds. The new 2-Care program, supported by state investment and funding through the recently Enacted Budget, will initially support 2,000 seats and then grow in the following years. The new program complements the state’s priority to expand affordable and free childcare for families across the state. “No parent should have to choose between a job they love and a child they can’t afford to care for. That’s why we're putting this city and state on a path to universal childcare, delivering relief for working families and ensuring every kid gets the strong start they deserve,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, joined by teachers, school administrators, and students, Hochul touted the early results from the state’s implementation of the classroom phone bans. According to a survey of 600 teachers and school administrators, 80% reported that the ban led to positive outcomes, including improved student engagement, stronger peer connections, better classroom behavior, and fewer bullying and cyberbullying incidents. The classroom phone ban was first implemented as part of Hochul’s wider priority to support students’ academic success and address youth mental health. “These are results we can all be proud of, and I congratulate New York students and educators as we near the end of an outstanding school year,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Barring any special session later this year, the Legislature is set to reconvene in January of 2027

This year, 759 bills passed both chambers of the Legislature
Hochul has 629 bills left to sign or veto between now and the end of the year

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Convened 2026 Legislative Session with Talks of Affordability & Taking on Trump

Lawmakers convened on January 7th, with legislative leaders in both parties touting and promising to address affordability further. However, Democratic lawmakers also expressed their commitment to address the impacts of President Trump and Republican-controlled Congress. The stakes have never been higher. What we do here in New York in these coming months will resonate across the country,” remarked Speaker Carl Heastie in his opening speech. These are not times of complacency. These are times that demand clarity, responsibility, and focus. We're beginning a new year in a moment when the pressures facing New Yorkers feel heavier and more immediate in their daily lives,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in her own opening remarks.

Additionally, lawmakers were expected to address the state’s finances, as the DOB projects a cumulative $26.8 billion gap over four years and an additional $3.4 billion in costs for safety net programs due to last year’s federal cuts. "I don't think that we’re going to ever make up for the cuts that the feds are going to impose, but ... we’re going to have to make priorities, and we’re just going to have to do it in a way that keeps as many people from harm as possible," said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. With this, many lawmakers expressed the necessity of raising taxes, which gained steam after the NYC mayoral election of Zohran Mamdani.

Hochul's Fourth State of the State Address

On January 13th, Hochul gave her fourth State of the State Address, outlining her policy agenda for the year’s legislative session. Like many other lawmakers, Hochul reiterated her commitment to addressing the state’s affordability crisis on multiple fronts, including auto insurance and childcare. Hochul also touted that she will continue to prioritize public safety and protect the state from President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. “Washington Republicans are waging an all-out war on the middle class: Driving up costs and leaving states to pick up the pieces,” remarked Hochul.

After her State of the State Address, many lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, praised her Address, explaining that “There were so many things in there that our conference has always championed, so I’m looking forward to getting all these things done.” Furthermore, she said that the Senate Democrats and Hochul were aligned “between affordability, the childcare, the standing up for the people of New York in every way, including the ICE resistance.” Many Democratic lawmakers expressed optimism that this year’s Budget process would be different than the previous years.

Hochul's FY2027 Executive Budget

A week after the State of the State Address, Hochul unveiled her $260 billion FY2027 Executive Budget, an increase from last year’s $252 billion Executive Budget and $6 billion more than last year’s $256 billion Enacted Budget. Under her Budget, she proposes to spend $4.5 billion on childcare, including a new 2-Care program in NYC and $210 million to expand pre-K statewide. However, instead of raising new taxes on high earners or corporations, Hochul proposes to extend the top corporate tax rate of 7.25% for three additional years, alongside smaller taxes, such as a 75% tax on the sale of nicotine pouches. Additionally, Hochul and Budget Director Blake Washington explained that the state was expecting $11.7 billion more in revenue in the next fiscal year than had been projected. Nevertheless, many lawmakers urged Hochul to raise new taxes to cover out-year budgets and potential additional federal cuts. At the time, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained, “We always have progressive taxes on the table.”

2026 Joint Budget Hearings Commenced

With the Executive Budget released, the Legislature commenced the Joint Budget Hearings, beginning with Agriculture and Parks & Recreation, by Energy/Environment and Elementary & Secondary Education. From the outset of the Budget Hearings, the Trump Administration took center stage, with Senate Agriculture Chair Michelle Hinchey expressing concerns about the impacts of the then-federal tariffs on the agriculture industry. Additionally, concerns about the Trump Administration cutting federal funding for renewable energy were raised, as lawmakers viewed it as a cut to the state’s investment in the renewable energy economy.

Mamdani Testified to his Former Colleagues at Tin Cup Day

One notable hearing was Tin Cup Day, when NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani testified before his former colleagues as NYC faced an estimated $7 billion budget deficit (later reduced to $5.4 billion) in addition to reiterating his request to allow NYC to raise taxes by 2% on residents who make more than $1 million, as well as on corporations. Mamdani explained that allowing higher taxes would be “orientating the city’s relationship to the state,” as he claims NYC contributes 54.5% of the state's revenue but receives only 40.5% in return.

In addition to Mamdani, mayors from Upstate, Central New York, and Western New York also testified at the hearing, asking for more state funding through AIM. “We want to make sure that we bring home aid that will allow us to sustain a lot of the great programs that we’ve had in terms of momentum, that if we don’t get more dollars, we will lose some of the momentum that we’ve had,” explained Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. “The upstate cities are all facing very similar problems…this is the kind of money we need,” added Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and former Senator, whose city was facing a $60 million deficit.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Immigration Protections Took Center Stage Amidst Budget Negotiations

Amid numerous public stories about ICE in cities across the country and lawmakers’ support for the New York for All Act, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Hochul released her own proposal that would prohibit local law enforcement agencies from working with federal law enforcement through 287(g) agreements. While her proposal would not be as expansive as New York for All, many lawmakers, including the bill’s sponsors, Assemblymember Karines Reyes and Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, applauded the proposal. Immigration protection later became part of the Budget negotiations even though lawmakers originally wanted to pass it outside of the Budget.

Notably, Republican Senator Jake Ashby also introduced his own bill that would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents in the state. Under the bill, county jails would be prohibited from being used as mass housing for people waiting to be deported, empower DAs to pursue criminal cases against undocumented immigrants, and prohibit federal immigration officers from entering “sensitive locations,” including schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, and places of worship. At the time, Ashby explained that he introduced the bill because “I think everybody can agree that what we're witnessing throughout the country, especially Minneapolis, is horrible, and it indicates a need for leadership, and we wanted to take that opportunity.”

I’ve decided to end my campaign for Governor of New York. After much consideration, I’ve concluded that there simply is no viable path forward. And though my campaign has come to an end, I fully intend to do all I can in our effort to build a more humane, affordable, and… pic.twitter.com/LmffwSikTs
— Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) February 10, 2026

Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado Dropped His Primary Challenge Against Hochul

In the middle of this year's session, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado formally dropped his bid to primary Hochul for Governor. His decision comes after he failed to secure enough support to be on the ballot in June, after Hochul and her new running mate, Adrienne Adams, were formally nominated by the state Democratic Party, and after the WFP declined to endorse Delgado.

Delgado’s decision to drop out comes after weeks of criticism from state and local lawmakers for continuing his primary challenge, with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins remarking that it was a “good idea” to suspend his campaign. "It’s better that we are united, because we know that we are trying to defeat a Trump administration and folks who would deprive us of healthcare and environmental protections and food,” explained Stewart-Cousins.

Aung Hset/D&A

Legislature Released One-House Budget Proposals

After the conclusion of the Budget Hearings, the Senate and the Assembly released their One-House Budget proposals. While Hochul’s Executive Budget proposes spending of $262.7 billion, the Assembly proposes a spending plan of $272 billion, while the Senate proposes a spending plan of $269.8 billion. As in previous years, both the Assembly and the Senate propose increasing taxes on corporations and high-income earners. The Assembly proposes to increase personal income taxes by 0.2 percentage points, or up to 10% from the current levels, for the highest earners. Meanwhile, the Senate is proposing a 0.5 percentage point surcharge on the top two income tax brackets.

On corporate tax increases, the Assembly proposes raising it from 9% to 10.8% for financial firms and from 8.85% to 10.62% for other businesses. In comparison, the Senate proposes raising the top corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 9% on business income over $5 million. Other proposed tax changes include reducing the pass-through entity tax credit and imposing a mansion tax on properties assessed at over $500,000. With the One-House Budgets being released, three-way Budget negotiations commenced, which ultimately became the latest in recent state history.

Hochul Proposed CLCPA Rollbacks in the Middle of Budget Negotiations

Amidst the Budget negotiations, Hochul officially laid out her proposal to roll back goals and parts of the 2019 CLCPA in an Empire Report op-ed. The proposal comes after weeks of Hochul hinting that she is going to be forced to roll back due to rising energy costs. Initially, Hochul proposed establishing a new 2030 deadline for implementing GHG emission regulations and an interim 2040 goal to meet the GHG emission limit target. Additionally, Hochul proposed to amend how the state calculates its GHG emissions.

Lawmakers quickly criticized Hochul’s proposals, as well as the way she unveiled them. “I think she just could have done a much better job,” said Assemblymember Al Stirpe. “Nothing we have heard thus far from the governor’s office makes any damn sense,” explained Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. Additionally, lawmakers complained that they were not getting any language about the proposed changes, with Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger saying, “No one should be allowed, no matter who they are, to change our laws without showing any of us what the hell they’re being proposed to do without seeing it in writing.” The CLCPA changes, alongside Hochul’s proposal to change the state’s auto insurance, would lead to an impasse in the Budget negotiation process between the Legislature and Hochul

Aung Hset/D&A

Budget Negotiations at the "Middle of the Middle" in the Middle of April

Nearly two and a half weeks after the April 1st Final Budget deadline, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told reporters that they were in the “middle of the middle” of Budget negotiations. Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and other lawmakers explained that Hochul’s proposal to change the state’s car insurance laws to address insurance fraud was holding up the process. Lawmakers, alongside trial lawyers, have expressed skepticism that Hochul’s proposals would actually reduce car insurance premiums and have criticized Uber and insurance companies for supporting them.

Additionally, at the time, Hochul’s CLCPA changes remained controversial, with lawmakers still saying they had not received any language on the changes. It was during this time that lawmakers say other parts of the Budget, including SEQRA reforms and an immigration reform package, were making minimal progress, as discussions around changing the state’s car insurance laws took up the bulk of the negotiations.

However, Hochul also proposed a pied-à-terre tax for NYC to raise $500 million in annual revenue to help aid NYC solve its budget deficit. Specifically, Hochul called for a surcharge on non-NYC residents with vacant second homes valued at more than $5 million. Unlike Hochul’s proposal to change CLCPA, lawmakers generally approved of the proposal. However, the specific language around the pied-à-terre tax for NYC would further extend the Budget negotiations.

Hochul Announced "General Agreement" on Budget Negotiations

After a month past the April1st deadline, Hochul announced that she and the Legislature reached a "general agre ement" on a $268 billion Final Budget, but explained that actual language are still being finetuned. In the $268 billion "general agreement", Hochul explained that she and the Legislature have agreed on addressing rising auto insurance premiums through pursuing fraud and staged accidents ring leaders, closing loopholes that allow at-fault individuals from collecting large payouts, restricting certain guidelines for how insurers can set rates, and putting a cap on excess insurers’ profit. Hochul also explained that there has been an agreement on SEQRA reforms, allowing fast-tracking of certain projects while ensuring necessary environmental protections. Additionally, Hochul said that immigration protections would be included in the Final Budget, including the Local Cops Local Crimes Act, as well as restricting immigration law enforcement from entering certain locations and prohibiting them from wearing masks.

However, almost immediately after the announcement, Heastie told reporters that “There’s no deal. I said to her last night [that] I was comfortable with her saying to y’all [that] we’re close. It is close. But this is what’s wrong with this process…I’m never doing this again.” Heastie later clarified that his relationship with Hochul was still cordial but was only criticizing the Budget process. Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris also concurred, saying that the “Speaker is correct” that there is no agreement yet. Heastie also said that he’s “not conferencing anything else until I know what the financial picture is.” Notably, Heastie also said that some of the policies Hochul presented are “still incomplete” including changes to the CLCPA, saying that the Legislature “don’t even have the final language on [] the CLCPA.” Hinting at next year’s budget negotiation process, Heastie said, “I don't care if the budget doesn't get passed for six months. This thing about thinking you can starve members out, like, it's over. In my mind, it's over.”

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Final Budget Reached After 58 Days Past the April 1st Deadline

After 58 days after the April 1st deadline, the Legislature finished passing the FY2027 Final Budget. With the Enacted Budget, lawmakers were able to include all of Hochul’s priorities, including some compromises with the Legislature; lawmakers have publicly complained that they had very limited time to pass their legislative priorities. Assemblymember John McDonald previously explained that because of how long the Budget negotiations were, the current “compressed time frame will prevent bills that require debate from making it to the floor for consideration.”

While some lawmakers have floated the idea of amending the state constitution to overhaul the budget process, it may be unlikely given Heastie's lack of endorsement. “It would be a huge endeavor to undertake because it would be a campaign [between] the Legislature and the Governor,” said Heastie. However, Heastie and Stewart-Cousins have publicly expressed that this year’s budget process was different than previous years. It remains to be seen whether next year’s Budget negotiations will be different or if lawmakers will openly take steps to change the process.

About 3 Dozen Lawmakers to Retire or Leave Either Chamber this Year

This year, 35 lawmakers from both chambers are set to retire or leave either chamber by the end of this year. In the Assembly, 25 members are either retiring or running for Congress or the Senate. Notably, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes is retiring from the Assembly after serving since 2003. In the Senate, 3 members are retiring, and 1 is running for Congress. Notably, Senate Deputy Mike Gianaris is retiring after serving in the Senate since 2011 and in the Assembly from 2001 to 2010. In the Assembly, 7 members are running for Senate and 5 for Congress.

OTHER UPDATES

I am proud to endorse a slate of candidates who will champion our affordability agenda in Albany. These leaders represent the very best of public service: a commitment to tackling challenges both large and small and a belief that government should work for everyone—not just the… pic.twitter.com/uen8mDSVmH
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) May 30, 2026

Mamdani Releases 2026 Endorsements

Last weekend, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani released his slate of endorsements for legislative and congressional races. In his legislative endorsements, Mamdani endorsed DSA candidates for open seats, who include, Assemblymember Diana Moreno, Aber Kawas (who is running for Mike Gianaris’ Senate seat, who is leaving the Senate), Samanatha Kattan (who is running for Claire Valdez’s Assembly seat, who is running for Congress), and Illapa Sairitupac (who is running for Grace Lee’s Assembly seat, who is running for retiring Senator Brian Kavanagh’s seat). Notably, Mamdani did not endorse DSA candidates who are challenging sitting incumbents, including David Orkin, Christian Celeste Tate, Eon Huntley, and Conrad Blackburn.

However, Mamdani did endorse all congressional DSA candidates, including those challenging sitting incumbents. Notably, Mamdani endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is primarying sitting incumbent Adriano Espaillat. Mamdani’s decision to endorse Avila Chevalier comes after Mamdani reportedly promised to endorse Espaillat last year. Nydia Velázquez, who is retiring and endorsing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to succeed her against Valdez, whom Mamdani endorsed, criticized Mamdani’s decision to endorse Espaillat. “It’s very difficult to say about someone that you don’t trust that person. But your actions are raising serious concerns about taking you at your word — and that is very, very, very problematic in this business,” Velázquez said. x`

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MY MAYOR IS MUSLIM
MY BAGELS ARE JEWISH
MY CHRISTIAN DIOR
MY KNICKS IN FOUR
— Chi Ossé (@OsseChi) June 6, 2026

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