State Assembly Member - District 83
James Washington-Ward
Other
A chaplain, photographer and entrepreneur born and raised in the Bronx, he is District Leader for the 83rd Assembly District and ran for New York City Council District 12 in 2025.
Issues James is raising
Public assistance and the safety net
Supports a safety net within a capitalist economy but opposes long-term dependency on it, saying, "A safety net should be a bridge, not a home."
Background
He is on the Conservative Party line for this seat.
- Born and raised in the Bronx; spent a formative part of his life in Philadelphia
- District Leader for the 83rd Assembly District; an October 2025 post said he had held the post for more than two years
- Chaplain, mentor, photographer and entrepreneur
- President for Media for Devil Dog USA Incorporated; says he is working on books and a documentary about veterans living in the Bronx
- Candidate for New York City Council District 12 in 2025
- Has said he wants to form a Black Conservative Caucus
- An October 2025 post on Gonzalo Duran's website says he has protested against the city's City of Yes zoning changes and against lithium-ion battery plans
- The June 23, 2026 Conservative Party primary for this seat was canceled, and he advanced without appearing on the ballot; he is on the Conservative Party line in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election
Support
No endorsements beyond the Conservative Party nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 83
