State Assembly Member - District 45
Michael Novakhov
Republican Assembly member for District 45 since Jan. 1, 2023, after defeating incumbent Steven Cymbrowitz in 2022; re-elected in 2024 over Joey Cohen-Saban, 50.2% to 49.4%.
Where they stand
Crime, policing and public cannabis use
Says he co-sponsored a bill restoring judges' discretion on bail and authored one making unlicensed cannabis sales a felony. Sponsors bills barring people sentenced for sexual-conduct or assault crimes from transit and banning public cannabis use without local approval; voted against the 2026-27 public protection budget and a bill keeping police radio open to journalists.
Antisemitism and hate crimes
Sponsors bills to deny youthful offender status to people who commit hate crimes and to require colleges to give students written information on reporting bias-related and hate crimes. Says he sponsored an Assembly resolution commemorating the Holocaust and supported legislation to deter hate crimes on college campuses.
School funding and school choice
Supports expanding school choice, including charter schools, private schools and homeschooling, to give families more flexibility. Voted against the 2024-25 state budget bill for education, labor, housing and family assistance.
Issues Michael is raising
Rent rules and housing supply
Wants the nearly 32,000 New York City apartments used as illegal hotels returned to the market at affordable rents and supports banning apartment warehousing, which he says he co-sponsored legislation to combat. Sponsors a bill easing limits on owners reclaiming rent-regulated apartments for their own or family use.
Small business and consumer rules
Supports direct financial support and tax incentives for restaurants hurt by COVID-19 and rent assistance for small businesses. Voted against a law barring employers from using consumer credit history in hiring, and sponsors bills limiting local grocery-price rules and requiring chip card readers and skimming warnings for SNAP.
Health care and end-of-life choices
Supports expanding Medicaid coverage of long-term stays in residential health institutions. Voted against the medical aid in dying bill, covering a terminally ill patient's request for and use of medication for medical aid in dying; it became law in February 2026.
Transit service and congestion pricing
Wants to restructure the MTA board so New York City has greater say over its transit system. Sponsors bills on congestion pricing and on registering and licensing every vehicle capable of going faster than 25 mph.
Background
Based in Manhattan Beach
Born in the Soviet Union, he immigrated with his family, has worked in New York media since 2003 and co-founded the Russian-language radio station Freedom FM in 2019.
- Member of the New York State Assembly for District 45 since Jan. 1, 2023
- Won the seat on Nov. 8, 2022 over incumbent Steven Cymbrowitz, 13,757 votes (59.7%) to 9,258 (40.2%); re-elected on Nov. 5, 2024 over Joey Cohen-Saban, 15,383 votes (50.2%) to 15,151 (49.4%)
- Member of the Assembly committees on Aging, Children and Families, Cities, Governmental Operations, Housing and Small Business
- Worked 20 years in the radio business; co-founded Freedom FM, a Russian-language radio station, in 2019
- Describes himself as a small business owner and a renter
- Born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to the United States with his family; lives in Manhattan Beach
- His campaign says he has put forward or co-sponsored more than 200 pieces of legislation and helped bring nearly half a million dollars in state and grant funding to community organizations
- Advanced from the Republican primary without appearing on the ballot after the June 23, 2026 primary was canceled
Support
George Pataki
Listed on the campaign website as "Governor George Pataki"
Nicole Malliotakis
U.S. Representative
William Barclay
Listed on the campaign website as "NY Assembly Leader"
Mike Reilly
New York State Assembly member
Sam Pirozzolo
New York State Assembly member
Money
$31K
raised
Top donors: Rimma Podkuychenko, Raymond Alhakim Cohen, Djurabek Ismatov
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 45