2026 New York General Election

Edward Irizarry

Alejandra Gracias

Having navigated the foster care system in my youth, I hold a deeply personal understanding of the profound impact the legal system has on individual lives. It is this perspective that drives my campaign for Queens Civil Court Judge.

About | Edward Irizarry for Civil Court Judge

Edward Irizarry learned early on that the law should be a shield for the vulnerable, not a weapon for the powerful. From tutoring students as he worked his way through NYU to graduating from Michigan Law, Ed’s journey is defined by grit and determination.

Edward Irizarry navigated the foster care system in his youth. He tutored students while working his way through NYU and graduated from Michigan Law.

Irizarry has been practicing law for over 30 years, according to his campaign website. He currently serves as an associate court attorney to Queens Civil Court Judge Maria Gonzalez. In that capacity, Irizarry oversees evidentiary hearings and drafts decisions.

Candidates for Queens Civil Court primary 2026

In that capacity, Irizarry oversees evidentiary hearings and drafts decisions. His career has touched on various parts of the court system. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and has served both as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens and a defense attorney, according to his campaign website.

In his campaign, he has underscored his commitment to public service, adding that he has also worked as counsel to both the New York State Senate and the New York City Council. Having navigated the foster care system in his youth, Irizarry wrote that he brings a personal perspective to his campaign.

Edward currently serves as an associate court attorney to Queens Civil Court Judge Maria Gonzalez. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney in the Queens district attorney’s office, a defense attorney in private practice, and counsel to the New York State Senate and New York City Council.

Four candidates vie for Queens Civil Court bench in competitive ...

This action arises from a contentious political campaign during the 2021 Democratic primary for the office of Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York (the “Campaign”). Plaintiff Edward Irizarry and Defendant Betty Lugo were candidates in the primary election.

Irizarry v Zelaya, 2026 NY Slip Op 31254(U) (March 26, 2026)

Edward was a candidate in the 2021 Democratic primary for Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York.

I have tried numerous felony jury trials to verdict as both an Assistant District Attorney and a defense attorney, navigating the intricacies of federal, state, and Supreme Court practice. From homicide appeals to high-stakes financial investigations at the SDNY, I have consistently fought to ensure the constitutionality of police procedures and the proper admission of evidence.

I’m Edward Irizarry, and I’m running for Civil Court Judge because I believe experience matters, especially the kind you can't learn in a textbook. Over the last 30 years, I've served our legal system from every angle. I started as a prosecutor in the Queens DA's Office where I built an undefeated felony trial record. I then worked as a defense attorney in private practice, drafted legislation in the City Council and the State Senate, and today, I serve as an Associate Court Attorney in Queens.

Edward Irizarry for Civil Court Judge

Worked as a defense attorney in private practice, focusing on criminal defense, guardianships, and real estate matters.

Irizarry has over 30 years of experience in New York’s legal system and currently serves as a court attorney to Judge Maria Gonzalez, who was elected to Queens’ Civil Court in 2022. He first started his career as a prosecutor, working in the Queens district attorney’s office from 1991 until 1996. He ran a private practice before joining the Judge Gonzalez, focusing on criminal defense, guardianships and real property – and was a member of the borough’s 18B panel.

Queens nominates two candidates for Civil Court

Serves as an associate court attorney for a Queens Civil Court judge, overseeing evidentiary hearings and drafting decisions.

Served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens and tried felony cases before juries to verdict.

Worked as counsel to the New York State Senate and New York City Council, drafting legislation.

- Served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens and tried felony cases before juries to verdict.
- Worked as counsel to the New York State Senate and New York City Council, drafting legislation.

Legal Experience

With over 30 years of legal experience spanning every facet of the New York justice system, I am committed to ensuring our courts remain a sanctuary for fairness, precision, and integrity for all in our community, including the most vulnerable amongst us.

Believes the law should protect vulnerable people rather than serve powerful interests.

Committed to ensuring courts provide fairness, precision, and integrity, including for vulnerable community members.

- Committed to ensuring courts provide fairness, precision, and integrity, including for vulnerable community members.

Judicial Philosophy

As of October 15, 2026, Edward Irizarry’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.

Judge who handles majority of civil cases in New York