This ballot may not list all local party officials on your official ballot. These individuals serve only within their political party and do not hold public office.

2026 New York General Election

2026 New York Primary Election

Conservative Party

Democrat

Republican

Working Families

Melissa Orlando is from Manhattan. She is a working mom and a tenant organizer. She lives in Sunnyside, Queens.

Mayor backs trio of Queens state candidates

Melissa Orlando Talks Running for Office While Working Full Time

Melissa Orlando resides in Sunnyside, New York. She earned an associate's degree in social sciences from the State University of New York Orange and a bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York College at Purchase.  

Melissa currently works as a project manager of academic affairs for Nuvance Health and as the executive director and founder of Access Queens. She also serves as the president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce. She previously worked for Nuvance Health as a manager of human resources information systems and shared services and as a human resources business partner. Additionally, Melissa worked for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America as a director of human resources infrastructure and quality management, an assistant director of human resources systems and strategy, and a manager of organizational development and diversity.

Melissa is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing the Merrimack 7 district from 2014 to 2016.

Melissa Orlando - Ballotpedia

Melissa's campaign for Member of Assembly in State Assembly District 37 is her first run for public office.  

Supports policies that help local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Supports reducing barriers for small businesses.

Supports commercial rent regulation to protect small businesses from steep lease increases.

Plans to advance policies that support working families and strengthen small businesses.

- Supports policies that help local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Supports reducing barriers for small businesses.
- Supports commercial rent regulation to protect small businesses from steep lease increases.
- Plans to advance policies that support working families and strengthen small businesses.

Economy

As of June 18, 2026, Melissa Orlando’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Healthcare

Supports community outreach and voter engagement through direct voter interaction, canvassing, phone banking, attending events, and aiding voter registration.

- Supports community outreach and voter engagement through direct voter interaction, canvassing, phone banking, attending events, and aiding voter registration.

Voting & Elections

Opposes the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in local communities.

- Opposes the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in local communities.

Public Safety

Education

Supports affordable housing and believes it requires "real accountability," including holding landlords responsible, strengthening tenant protections, and ensuring responsible development to prevent community displacement.

Plans to create a mandatory, apartment-by-apartment database of rent-stabilized units to expose landlords who collect tax benefits while warehousing vacant apartments.

- Supports affordable housing and believes it requires "real accountability," including holding landlords responsible, strengthening tenant protections, and ensuring responsible development to prevent community displacement.
- Plans to create a mandatory, apartment-by-apartment database of rent-stabilized units to expose landlords who collect tax benefits while warehousing vacant apartments.

Housing & Urban Development

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

LinkedIn

Melissa Orlando

Emileigh Crouch

Edward Krutsch

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Pia is from Parkchester, Bronx, New York. She has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Chelsea. She lives in Long Island City.

Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Pia Rahman for NY Assembly District ...

Pia Rahman Seeks Stability in Assembly District 37 - Queens Ledger

Pia Rahman is from Parkchester, Bronx, New York. She has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Chelsea. She lives in Long Island City.

Pia is a clinician. She works in health care, where she has counseled LGBTQ+ youth on eating disorders and body image concerns. She previously worked on Zohran’s Assembly campaign and mobilized voters in Queens and the Bronx to support Prop 1.

Pia is a clinician. She works in health care, where she has counseled LGBTQ+ youth on eating disorders and body image concerns. She previously worked on Zohran’s Assembly campaign and mobilized voters in Queens and the Bronx.

Pia Rahman's campaign for the New York State Assembly in District 37 is her first entry into politics.

Pia's campaign for the New York State Assembly in District 37 is her first entry into politics.

Supports a $30 minimum wage, ending 24-hour shifts for home care aides, and stronger protections against worker misclassification and wage theft.

Supports raising taxes on "the wealthiest New Yorkers and large corporations."

Supports closing corporate tax loopholes.

Believes in increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen the economy.

- Supports a $30 minimum wage, ending 24-hour shifts for home care aides, and stronger protections against worker misclassification and wage theft.
- Supports raising taxes on "the wealthiest New Yorkers and large corporations."
- Supports closing corporate tax loopholes.
- Believes in increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen the economy.

Supports transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable development.

Supports strengthening coastlines and stormwater drainage to prevent flooding.

- Supports transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable development.
- Supports strengthening coastlines and stormwater drainage to prevent flooding.

Supports access to safe and legal abortions, calling it "a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of personal autonomy."

Supports universal healthcare and plans to expand Medicaid eligibility.

Supports improving access to hospice and palliative care.

- Supports access to safe and legal abortions, calling it "a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of personal autonomy."
- Supports universal healthcare and plans to expand Medicaid eligibility.
- Supports improving access to hospice and palliative care.

Believes "real change happens when communities come together, organize, and make their voices heard."

- Believes "real change happens when communities come together, organize, and make their voices heard."

Opposes the death penalty, saying it is "a fundamentally flawed and irreversible form of punishment that carries the risk of wrongful convictions and disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color."

Supports significantly restricting and eventually ending the use of solitary confinement, especially for vulnerable populations, citing extensive research showing it causes severe psychological harm and does not improve safety or rehabilitation outcomes.

Supports the expansion of mental health care and crisis intervention programs in correctional facilities.

Supports decriminalizing consensual commercial sex work between adults, saying "criminal penalties for consensual adult conduct do not improve safety and instead often push workers further into unsafe conditions, increase vulnerability to exploitation, and discourage access to healthcare, housing, and legal protections."

Supports Elder Parole, believing older incarcerated individuals who have served significant time "pose little public safety risk, and they deserve a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitation before the parole board."

Believes true public safety comes from reducing recidivism, investing in communities, and creating a justice system rooted in humanity, accountability, and second chances.

Supports the Marvin Mayfield Act, which repeals mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes.

Supports a justice system that balances accountability with rehabilitation, fairness, and human dignity, and believes alternatives to life sentences can maintain public safety without "irreversible punishment."

Supports strengthening legal protections for transgender individuals and ensuring safe access to gender-affirming healthcare in New York without fear of criminalization, harassment, or political interference.

Supports stronger anti-discrimination enforcement, mental health resources, and support services for LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

Supports stronger sanctuary protections for undocumented immigrants.

- Opposes the death penalty, saying it is "a fundamentally flawed and irreversible form of punishment that carries the risk of wrongful convictions and disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color."
- Supports significantly restricting and eventually ending the use of solitary confinement, especially for vulnerable populations, citing extensive research showing it causes severe psychological harm and does not improve safety or rehabilitation outcomes.
- Supports the expansion of mental health care and crisis intervention programs in correctional facilities.
- Supports decriminalizing consensual commercial sex work between adults, saying "criminal penalties for consensual adult conduct do not improve safety and instead often push workers further into unsafe conditions, increase vulnerability to exploitation, and discourage access to healthcare, housing, and legal protections."
- Supports Elder Parole, believing older incarcerated individuals who have served significant time "pose little public safety risk, and they deserve a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitation before the parole board."
- Believes true public safety comes from reducing recidivism, investing in communities, and creating a justice system rooted in humanity, accountability, and second chances.
- Supports the Marvin Mayfield Act, which repeals mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes.
- Supports a justice system that balances accountability with rehabilitation, fairness, and human dignity, and believes alternatives to life sentences can maintain public safety without "irreversible punishment."
- Supports strengthening legal protections for transgender individuals and ensuring safe access to gender-affirming healthcare in New York without fear of criminalization, harassment, or political interference.
- Supports stronger anti-discrimination enforcement, mental health resources, and support services for LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
- Supports stronger sanctuary protections for undocumented immigrants.

Supports strengthening anti-bullying protections in schools.

Supports teaching students about the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack as part of a broader civic education curriculum to help them understand democratic institutions and the principle of peaceful transfer of power.

- Supports strengthening anti-bullying protections in schools.
- Supports teaching students about the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack as part of a broader civic education curriculum to help them understand democratic institutions and the principle of peaceful transfer of power.

Supports policies that aim to make housing more affordable and stable for New Yorkers.

Supports strengthening and expanding inclusionary housing requirements, increasing state funding for public and social housing, and streamlining approval processes for affordable housing projects.

Supports updating zoning restrictions, encouraging transit-oriented development, and preventing municipalities from blocking affordable housing.

- Supports policies that aim to make housing more affordable and stable for New Yorkers.
- Supports strengthening and expanding inclusionary housing requirements, increasing state funding for public and social housing, and streamlining approval processes for affordable housing projects.
- Supports updating zoning restrictions, encouraging transit-oriented development, and preventing municipalities from blocking affordable housing.

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Pia Rahman

Pia Rahman is from Parkchester in the Bronx. She has an associate's degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She lives in Long Island City.

Pia is a clinician. He has also worked on political campaigns, including for Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

Supports decriminalization of sex work, but believes it should be paired with a strong public health and human rights framework that prioritizes safety, dignity, and access to services.

Supports Elder Parole, believing older incarcerated individuals who have served significant time "often pose little public safety risk, and they deserve a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitation before the parole board."

Supports New York becoming a "Transgender Sanctuary State" to protect transgender people's dignity and freedom.

Supports the rights of transgender people to have safety, autonomy, dignity, and the freedom to live openly and authentically.

New Mom, Veteran Organizer: Kattan Seeks Queens Assembly Seat

Samantha Kattan is originally from Austin, Texas. She earned a master's degree in urban planning. She lives in Ridgewood, Queens, with her husband and daughter.

Samantha is the director of contracts at the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board. She helps tenants create housing co-ops there.

Samantha Kattan - Ballotpedia

Samantha Kattan Wants to Join New York's Socialists in Albany

DSA member Samantha Kattan hopes to succeed Claire Valdez in ...

Samantha Kattan is a candidate for the New Jersey State Senate, representing District 16, in the 2024 election. She previously served on her local Board of Education.

DSA-backed Samantha Kattan officially launches campaign ... - QNS

Samantha's campaign for the New York State Assembly District 37 is her first run for public office.

For Candidate Samantha Kattan on Issue economy:  
Proposes a $30 per hour minimum wage in New York State to ensure fair compensation for workers.

Proposes a $30 per hour minimum wage in New York State.

Advocates for expanding the Paid Family Leave program to include currently excluded workers and extending the duration from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

Supports changing New York's tax code to be progressive and increasing taxes on the highest earners to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

Supports changing New York's tax code to be progressive and increasing taxes on corporations and the highest earners to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

- Proposes a $30 per hour minimum wage in New York State.
- Advocates for expanding the Paid Family Leave program to include currently excluded workers and extending the duration from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
- Supports changing New York's tax code to be progressive and increasing taxes on corporations and the highest earners to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

Supports the full implementation of the Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA) to advance publicly-owned renewable energy in the state.

For Candidate Samantha Kattan on Issue energy-and-environment: Prioritizes keeping neighborhoods green, supports state funding for tree initiatives, advocates for renewable energy in public schools, and backs local environmental protection groups.

Prioritizes keeping neighborhoods green, supports state funding for tree initiatives, advocates for renewable energy in public schools, and backs local environmental protection groups.

Supports state funding for an expanded tree initiative to beautify communities, combat urban heat sinks, and alleviate flooding.

Supports the Go Green Schools Act to ensure public schools are powered by renewable energy and backs local environmental protection groups.

Supports Local Law 97 compliance to fight climate change and advocates for state resources to assist working-class and senior co-op owners with compliance costs and energy efficiency upgrades.

- Supports the full implementation of the Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA) to advance publicly-owned renewable energy in the state.
- Prioritizes keeping neighborhoods green, supports state funding for tree initiatives, advocates for renewable energy in public schools, and backs local environmental protection groups.
- Supports state funding for an expanded tree initiative to beautify communities, combat urban heat sinks, and alleviate flooding.
- Supports the Go Green Schools Act to ensure public schools are powered by renewable energy and backs local environmental protection groups.
- Supports Local Law 97 compliance to fight climate change and advocates for state resources to assist working-class and senior co-op owners with compliance costs and energy efficiency upgrades.

For Candidate Samantha Kattan on Issue healthcare:  
Advocates for New York to take action in healthcare.

As of June 18, 2026, Samantha Kattan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes coordination between ICE and local law enforcement, advocating for sanctuary protections and viewing ICE as a danger to communities.

Opposes coordination between ICE and local law enforcement, advocating for sanctuary protections.

Supports the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, which bans the use of face coverings and plainclothes by ICE and other federal enforcement agents during immigration actions in New York State, emphasizing the need for scrutiny and accountability for ICE officers.

Supports the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, which bans the use of face coverings and plainclothes by ICE and other federal enforcement agents during immigration actions in New York State.

Supports establishing a universal right to legal counsel for all individuals facing deportation, based on the principle that legal representation leads to better outcomes.

Advocates for the Super Speeders Bill (A2299B) to slow down traffic and hold bad drivers accountable for safer streets.

Supports the development of more bike lane networks along dangerous corridors to enhance safety for cyclists, including protected bike lanes in the district.

Supports the development of more bike lane networks along dangerous corridors to enhance safety for cyclists, including protected bike lanes in District 37.

Plans to engage with NYC DOT to expand critical infrastructure such as curb extensions, pedestrian medians, signal timing changes, and universal daylighting to enhance street safety.

Supports establishing a universal right to legal counsel for individuals facing deportation, based on the principle that legal representation leads to better outcomes.

- Opposes coordination between ICE and local law enforcement, advocating for sanctuary protections.
- Supports the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, which bans the use of face coverings and plainclothes by ICE and other federal enforcement agents during immigration actions in New York State.
- Supports establishing a universal right to legal counsel for all individuals facing deportation, based on the principle that legal representation leads to better outcomes.
- Advocates for the Super Speeders Bill (A2299B) to slow down traffic and hold bad drivers accountable for safer streets.
- Supports the development of more bike lane networks along dangerous corridors to enhance safety for cyclists, including protected bike lanes in District 37.
- Plans to engage with NYC DOT to expand critical infrastructure such as curb extensions, pedestrian medians, signal timing changes, and universal daylighting to enhance street safety.
- Supports establishing a universal right to legal counsel for individuals facing deportation, based on the principle that legal representation leads to better outcomes.

Supports the Charter School Transparency and Accountability Act and advocates for smaller class sizes by eliminating the requirement for public school districts to provide space for charter schools.

Advocates for smaller class sizes by eliminating the requirement for public school districts to provide space for charter schools.

Supports the Universal Child Care Act and advocates for its effective implementation for care workers and families.

Supports $181.3 million in library operating aid and $175 million for library construction aid to maintain and upgrade libraries across the state.

Supports spending $181.3 million in library operating aid and $175 million for library construction aid to maintain and upgrade libraries across the state.

- Advocates for smaller class sizes by eliminating the requirement for public school districts to provide space for charter schools.
- Supports Universal Child Care.
- Supports spending $181.3 million in library operating aid and $175 million for library construction aid to maintain and upgrade libraries across the state.

Supports the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to give tenants the first chance to buy their building and advocates for creating a Social Housing Development Authority to build permanently affordable homes.

Supports giving tenants the first chance to buy their building and advocates for creating a Social Housing Development Authority to build permanently affordable homes.

Supports better funding for the Department of Homes and Community Renewal to enhance enforcement of rent stabilization.

Supports funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program to help keep homeless New Yorkers in stable homes and advocates for the REST Act to facilitate rent stabilization in municipalities.

Supports fighting for more resources for struggling cooperatives to afford energy efficiency upgrades and is interested in property tax reform.

Supports fighting for more resources for struggling cooperatives to afford energy efficiency upgrades.

- Supports giving tenants the first chance to buy their building and advocates for creating a Social Housing Development Authority to build permanently affordable homes.
- Supports better funding for the Department of Homes and Community Renewal to enhance enforcement of rent stabilization.
- Supports funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program to help keep homeless New Yorkers in stable homes and advocates for the REST Act to facilitate rent stabilization in municipalities.
- Supports fighting for more resources for struggling cooperatives to afford energy efficiency upgrades.

Samantha Kattan

- Opposes coordination between ICE and local law enforcement, advocating for sanctuary protections.
- Supports the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, which bans the use of face coverings and plainclothes by ICE and other federal enforcement agents during immigration actions in New York State.
- Supports establishing a universal right to legal counsel for all individuals facing deportation, based on the principle that legal representation leads to better outcomes.
- Advocates for the Super Speeders Bill (A2299B) to slow down traffic and hold bad drivers accountable for safer streets.
- Supports the development of more bike lane networks along dangerous corridors to enhance safety for cyclists, including protected bike lanes in District 37.
- Plans to engage with NYC DOT to expand critical infrastructure such as curb extensions, pedestrian medians, signal timing changes, and universal daylighting to enhance street safety.

Samantha Kattan is from Austin, Texas. She has a master's degree in urban planning. She is a working parent.

Samantha previously worked with limited equity housing cooperatives in New York City. She also cofounded a tenant group in Brownsville called Housing Organizers for People Empowerment.

Samantha is a member of the Democratic Party. She has previously served on the Board of Education in her local community.

Samantha Kattan is from Austin, Texas. She has a master's degree in urban planning. She is a mother.

Samantha is a housing organizer. She previously worked with limited equity housing cooperatives. She also worked with the Crown Heights Tenant Union and cofounded a tenant group in Brownsville called Housing Organizers for People Empowerment. 

Samantha is a candidate for the 2024 election for the New Jersey State Senate, representing District 16. She has previously served on the Board of Education in her local community.

Supports increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthiest New Yorkers to fund high-quality social services.

Promises to fight to expand Paid Family Leave (PFL) to currently excluded workers and to extend the program from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

For Candidate Samantha Kattan on Issue public-safety: Supports the development of more bike lane networks along dangerous corridors to enhance safety for cyclists.

Supports legislation to secure access to legal counsel during immigration court cases and to prohibit local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE.

Opposes state funding for counties that collaborate with ICE for immigration enforcement.

Supports updating the Regional Cost Index for education funding in New York City, increasing support for high-need English Language learners, students with disabilities, and those in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

Supports updating the Regional Cost Index for education funding in New York City, with increased support for high-need English Language learners, students with disabilities, and those in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

- Your assembly member is involved in the legislative process at the state level as part of the New York State Assembly, which consists of 150 members and serves as the lower house of the New York State Legislature.  
- Assembly members are responsible for representing your interests and assisting you with navigating state services while bringing resources back to your district.  
- Assembly members 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 assembly member can serve on committees, where many bills may be delayed before reaching a vote.  
- Assembly members 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 State Assembly.

New York Member of Assembly, District 37, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (3)

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