I was born and raised in Copiague, the son of Dominican immigrants who came to this country chasing opportunity. English wasn’t spoken in our home growing up, so as a kid, I often translated bills, doctor’s visits, and school meetings for my parents. Like so many first-generation families on Long Island, we worked hard, and we struggled.

Meet Candidate

Despite everything, I graduated high school at the top of my class and went on to earn my degree in Political Science from Stony Brook University. I originally studied engineering because I’ve always been someone who wants to understand how systems work from the ground up. But I realized that the system I most wanted to fix wasn’t mechanical.

Degrees
Bachelor's, New York Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering (2019)
Bachelor's, Stony Brook University, Political Science and Government (2025)

Issue Stances

Joshua James Taveras | BallotReady

Joshua Taveras was born and raised in Copiague. He earned bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and in political science and government from Stony Brook University.

Today, I work as a Dual Store Manager overseeing two retail locations in New York — including one of the highest-volume stores in the region. I’ve helped grow teams, manage large budgets, and turn struggling operations into successful ones. Leadership isn’t just a title to me — it’s about accountability, results, and lifting people up.

Joshua Taveras currently works as a manager overseeing two retail locations in New York.

Joshua currently works as a manager overseeing two retail locations in New York.

2026 New York General Election

Long Island families are struggling to find homes they can afford. I will push for policies that increase affordable housing, support renters, and help families stay in their communities—because no one should have to choose between rent and food.

Where I Stand On The Issues

Plans to push policies that increase affordable housing, support renters, and help families remain in their communities.

- Plans to push policies that increase affordable housing, support renters, and help families remain in their communities.

Economy

Environmental protection is non-negotiable. I will work to reduce pollution, protect our waterways, and invest in clean energy, ensuring that every Long Islander can breathe clean air and drink safe water.

Our communities need green spaces to thrive. I support expanding and improving parks, trails, and public spaces so families, kids, and seniors have safe, beautiful places to gather, play, and connect with nature.

Will work to reduce pollution, protect waterways, and invest in clean energy.

Supports expanding and improving parks, trails, and public spaces.

- Will work to reduce pollution, protect waterways, and invest in clean energy.
- Supports expanding and improving parks, trails, and public spaces.

Energy & the Environment

Healthcare is a human right. I will fight to ensure every Long Islander has access to quality, affordable healthcare, including mental health services, preventative care, and prescription coverage, so families can focus on living, not worrying about medical bills.

Reproductive rights are healthcare rights. I believe that every person should have safe, legal, and accessible options for their own body and future. I will protect these rights and fight attempts to restrict access in New York and across the country.

Will fight to expand access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, preventive care, and prescription coverage.

Believes people should have safe, legal, and accessible reproductive healthcare options, and will oppose efforts to restrict access.

- Will fight to expand access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, preventive care, and prescription coverage.
- Believes people should have safe, legal, and accessible reproductive healthcare options, and will oppose efforts to restrict access.

Healthcare

As of September 9, 2026, Joshua Taveras’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Public Safety

Every child deserves access to a quality education, no matter their zip code or family income. I will fight for stronger schools, modern classrooms, and programs that prepare students for the real world, ensuring Long Island’s kids can reach their full potential.

Will fight for stronger schools, modern classrooms, and programs that prepare students for the workforce.

- Will fight for stronger schools, modern classrooms, and programs that prepare students for the workforce.

Education

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Jarrett Gandolfo

- Your state senator is involved in the legislative process at the state level as part of the New York State Senate, which consists of 63 members and serves as the upper house of the New York State Legislature, the state's lawmaking body. 
- State senators are responsible for representing your interests and assisting you with navigating state services while bringing resources back to your district.  
- State senators draft laws, approve budgets, oversee the state executive branch, and engage in debates and votes on proposed legislation.  
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your state senator can serve on committees, where many bills may be delayed before reaching a vote.  
- State senators are elected for a two-year term with no term limits.  
- Their annual salary is $142,000.  

Your representative and state lawmaker in the New York Senate.