Primary Election
Open seat in NY-56 draws three Democratic primary challengers
The 2026 Democratic primary for New York Assembly District 56 is an open-seat race with no incumbent on the ballot. Three candidates—Michael Bailey, Stefani L. Zinerman, and Eon Huntley—are competing, each emphasizing distinct priorities such as housing, environmental justice, and racial equity. The absence of an incumbent and limited public fundraising data make the race highly competitive and uncertain.
Member of the New York State Assembly since 2020
Healthcare Access — Zinerman supports protecting healthcare access by defending the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid, fighting for lower prescription drug costs, supporting community health centers in underserved neighborhoods, and ensuring mental health services are accessible and affordable.
NYC District Council of Carpenters +7
Attorney
Housing — Michael Bailey supports new affordable housing in Bed-Stuy but calls for deeper affordability that reflects the actual income levels of current residents. He notes that over 27% of Bed-Stuy households earn less than 30% of Area Median Income, while only 19% of rental units are affordable at that level, and that nearly 30% of residents spend over half their income on rent. He advocates for stronger tenant protections and opportunities for working families to stay and build wealth in the neighborhood.
No major endorsements yet
Department store associate at Bergdorf Goodman (The Row)
Housing — Defend rent control, pass the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, protect NYCHA from privatization, expand Good Cause Eviction, support a Social Housing Development Authority to build deeply affordable units, and fight deed theft.
Bernie Sanders +7
▸ Your ballot — State Assembly Member - District 56
Fill in one oval. Change it anytime.
Housing
Bailey calls for deeper affordability reflecting actual incomes, noting that over 27% of Bed-Stuy households earn less than 30% of AMI, while Zinerman advocates for stabilizing costs, strengthening tenant protections, and opposing luxury developments that don't serve community needs.
Michael Bailey supports new affordable housing in Bed-Stuy but calls for deeper affordability that reflects the actual income levels of current residents. He notes that over 27% of Bed-Stuy households earn less than 30% of Area Median Income, while only 19% of rental units are affordable at that level, and that nearly 30% of residents spend over half their income on rent. He advocates for stronger tenant protections and opportunities for working families to stay and build wealth in the neighborhood.
Bailey for 56 campaign pageEnvironmental Justice
Zinerman supports environmental justice for frontline neighborhoods, while the broader platform calls for a Green New Deal, opposing new fossil-fuel infrastructure, and funding climate resilience.
Zinerman supports environmental justice for frontline neighborhoods as part of her Equity & Inclusion agenda.
Zinerman for NY Assembly 56 - Platform pageYouth, Education & Leadership
Zinerman supports investing in youth through community programs and workforce training, while the platform advocates for fully funding public schools, free childcare, and free CUNY/SUNY, opposing charter school privatization.
Zinerman supports investing in young people through community-based youth development programs, civic and leadership training, workforce training, and career preparation.
Zinerman for NY Assembly 56 - Platform pageResearched & verified Jun 22, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.