Incumbent
Edward C. Braunstein
Member of the Assembly Health, Judiciary, Rules, and Ways and Means committees
Focus: Public safety
No endorsements beyond the Democratic nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
General Election
ELECTION WAS NOV 3
NY Assembly · Assembly District 26
Bail reform, state taxes and the incumbent's legislative record
Edward C. Braunstein has held the seat since 2011 and defeated Robert J. Speranza in 2022 and 2024; the district voted Democratic by 5.2 points for president in 2024. Speranza won the June 23, 2026 Republican primary over Philip Sean Grillo; Braunstein had no Democratic primary.
Candidates
RS
Robert J. Speranza
B.S. in criminal justice, St. John's University; attended Holy Cross High School
Public safety — Pledges to vote to repeal the state's bail reform laws and to change the parole system. Wants judges to have greater discretion in bail decisions and supports investing in police.
No endorsements beyond the Republican nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
▸ Your ballot — State Assembly Member - District 26
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Issues
Bail, policing and criminal law
Bail, parole and the definitions of crimes are set in state law, which changes only when the Legislature passes a bill and the governor signs it. At issue is whether to keep or roll back the current bail and parole rules, and which new offenses and penalties to add.
Pledges to vote to repeal the state's bail reform laws and to change the parole system. Wants judges to have greater discretion in bail decisions and supports investing in police.
Robert J. Speranza campaign website — IssuesTaxes and state spending
The Legislature and the governor set state tax law and pass the annual budget bills that decide revenue and spending. At issue is whether to cut taxes and spending or to back the tax and spending levels in the budgets lawmakers have passed.
Pledges to monitor the state budget and fight to eliminate wasteful spending and fraud, and to return money to New York residents.
Robert J. Speranza campaign website — IssuesThe money
Cycle-to-date · NYS Board of Elections — figures change as new reports are filed.
Braunstein$114K
Researched & verified Sep 30, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.
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