General Election
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.
Issues
2 issues · 2 candidates · every claim sourced
Bail, policing and criminal law
Central to the raceBail, 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.
Robert J. Speranza
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 — Issues ↗
Edward C. Braunstein
In coverageSponsors bills, passed by both houses in 2026, to cover texts, emails and direct messages under second-degree aggravated harassment and to bar scrap dealers from selling metals used by critical infrastructure providers. Voted against the Keep Police Radio Public Act and a 2026 law relating to the location of retail adult-use dispensaries near schools and houses of worship.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Sponsors A2239, which adds contacts by text, email, private or direct message and other electronic communication to the definition of second-degree aggravated harassment; he voted yes when it passed the Assembly on Jan. 27, 2026, and it passed the Senate on April 28, 2026. Sponsors A8675, the Prevention of Damage to Critical Infrastructure Act, which bars junk dealers and scrap processors from selling metals used by critical infrastructure providers; he voted yes when it passed the Assembly on May 18, 2026, and it passed the Senate on June 4, 2026. Voted no on A3516, the Keep Police Radio Public Act, on June 5, 2025; the governor vetoed it on Dec. 19, 2025. Voted no on S9155, relating to the location of retail adult-use dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, on Feb. 11, 2026; it was signed into law as Chapter 2 that day.
Sponsor of A2239 and A8675; voted yes on both, and voted no on A3516 and S9155 · 2025-06-05 to 2026-06-04 · A2239 passed the Assembly (Jan. 27, 2026) and the Senate (April 28, 2026); A8675 passed the Assembly (May 18, 2026) and the Senate (June 4, 2026); A3516 vetoed Dec. 19, 2025; S9155 signed into law as Chapter 2 on Feb. 11, 2026
Taxes and state spending
Central to the raceThe 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.
Robert J. Speranza
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 — Issues ↗Edward C. Braunstein
In coverageVoted for the bill enacting major parts of the 2026-27 state budget's fiscal plan, which passed the Assembly 91-52 and became law in May 2026. Voted against the state's 2024 capital projects budget.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Voted yes on S9009, which enacts major components of legislation needed to implement the state fiscal plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year, on May 27, 2026; it passed the Assembly 91-52 with 7 members excused and was signed into law as Chapter 59 on May 28, 2026. Voted no on A8804, the Capital Projects Budget, on April 19, 2024; it was signed into law as Chapter 54 on May 1, 2024.
Voted yes on S9009; voted no on A8804 · 2024-04-19 to 2026-05-28 · S9009 signed into law as Chapter 59 on May 28, 2026; A8804 signed into law as Chapter 54 on May 1, 2024