General Election
Taxing the wealthy to fund child care versus holding down taxes and spending
Diana C. Moreno won the seat in a February 2026 special election after Zohran Mamdani resigned to become mayor, then won the June Democratic primary with 78.3%. Edward Lee, a Queens Republican County Committee member, advanced without a primary.
Member of the New York State Assembly for District 36 since Feb. 4, 2026
Immigration — Lists protecting immigrant communities among her top three priorities and supports passing the New York For All Act to end New York State's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and better protect immigrant families.
Zohran Mamdani +7
Member of the Queens Republican County Committee
Elections — Lists as his top three priorities fighting corruption and promoting transparency, restoring balance to New York City politics to stop the Democratic Socialists of America, and increasing civic participation. On the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling, says those who oppose it should still follow the rule of the land.
Gonzalo Duran +1
▸ Your ballot — State Assembly Member - District 36
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Taxes, spending and the cost of living
The Legislature sets state tax law, including the tax rates New York City may charge, and passes the state budget. The choice is between raising more revenue from corporations and high earners to pay for services such as child care, or keeping taxes and state spending down.
Opposes additional taxes on property owners, saying landlords pass higher property taxes on to tenants as rent increases in Astoria and Long Island City, which he says are already seeing intense gentrification and rising rents.
Edward Lee campaign website — Issues/PlatformHousing and tenants
State and city lawmakers set the rules on rent stabilization, tenant protections and who gets priority to buy residential buildings when they are sold, which shapes what tenants pay and what owners can do with their property.
Supports stronger tenant protections and defending rent stabilization, and wants to create a Social Housing Development Authority to build and preserve affordable housing with union labor.
Diana for Queens campaign website — Our PlatformIsrael and state policy
Israel comes up in this race through a bill on nonprofit funding of Israeli settlement activity and through pledges about pro-Israel lobbying money.
Pledges never to take money from AIPAC and says he will work to have it reclassified as a foreign lobby, as part of a goal of removing foreign influence from the political system.
Edward Lee campaign website — AboutCycle-to-date · NYS Board of Elections — figures change as new reports are filed.
MorenoResearched & verified Sep 29, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.
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