State Senator - District 15
Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
Has represented District 15 in the State Senate since 2009, after seven years on the New York City Council, and chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.
Where they stand
Criminal justice and public safety
Voted against the 2023 law providing for automatic sealing of certain criminal convictions and against the 2025 omnibus bill on state correctional services, both of which became law. Also voted against the February 2026 law amending the limits on how close cannabis dispensaries may be to schools and houses of worship.
Issues Joseph is raising
Gambling, horse racing and alcohol sales
Chairs the Senate's racing and gaming committee. Sponsored the 2025 law banning online sweepstakes games and a 2024 bill to speed up downstate casino licenses, which the governor vetoed; sponsors a bill keeping lottery winners anonymous unless they consent. His Senate biography says he was a primary advocate for mobile sports betting.
Health care
Sponsored the 2025 law on insurance coverage for prenatal vitamins. Voted for the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which passed the Senate 35-27 and became law in February 2026, and voted against the 2023 law on legal protections against the arrest and extradition of abortion providers.
Veterans
Sponsored the 2025 law creating a property tax exemption on the primary homes of veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability. Sponsors a bill, passed by the Senate in May 2026, to create an alternative resolution program for service members and veterans accused of certain felonies.
State budget and utility bills
Sponsored a bill requiring gas and electric companies to give customers 45 days' notice before rate increases; it passed both houses and was vetoed in December 2025. Voted against the 2024-25 budget bill on education, labor, housing and family assistance, and for the bill carrying out the 2026-27 state fiscal plan.
State rules for New York City land and charters
Voted against the 2025 law authorizing New York City to stop using certain land in Flushing Meadows Corona Park as parkland. Also voted against a 2025 bill repealing certain rules on adopting a new or revised city charter proposed by a charter commission.
Background
A lawyer, he won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 77.8% of the vote.
- Elected to the State Senate in 2008; took office in 2009
- Chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering
- Chair of the Senate Committee on State-Native American Relations
- New York City Council member for the 32nd District, 2001 to 2007
- Practiced law for 10 years before his 2001 election to the City Council; attorney with Addabbo and Greenberg
- Graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School (1982), St. John's University (1986) and Touro Law School (1992)
- Former president of the Ozone Tudor Civic Association and former executive secretary of Community Board 10Q
- Multi-term New York State Democratic Committee member and a ranking member of the South Queens Regular Democratic Club
- Served on the Senate Bipartisan Task Force on Hurricane Sandy
- Son of Joseph P. Addabbo Sr., who served 13 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1960 to 1986
- Born in 1964; married to Dawn, with two daughters
- Defeated Danniel S. Maio for this seat in 2022 (57.2% to 42.6%) and 2024 (76.5% to 23.0%)
- Defeated Albert Baldeo in the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary, 77.8% of the vote
Support
No endorsements beyond the Democratic nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
Money
$382K
raised
Top donors: Steamfitters Local Union #638, Luigi Moccia, Teamsters Local Union No 282
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