General Election
NY Assembly · Assembly District 82
Longtime teacher-turned-legislator faces a Realtor running on homeownership and policing
Democrat Michael R. Benedetto, in the Assembly since 2005, won his June 2026 primary with 62.3% of the vote. Republican Irene Guanill, a Realtor and president of the Pelham Bay Merchants Association, advanced after her party's primary was canceled.
Issues
3 issues · 2 candidates · every claim sourced
Policing, gun safety and cannabis rules
Central to the raceState law sets the rules on firearms, criminal justice and where cannabis may be sold, including a February 2026 law that changed how close cannabis dispensaries may be to schools and houses of worship; the Assembly votes on any change to these rules.
Irene Guanill
Wants to work with police to make sure they have the tools, training and support needed to keep the district safe.
Irene Guanill campaign website — My Platform ↗
Michael R. Benedetto
In coverageSponsored the 2025 law directing the state health commissioner to run a public awareness campaign on safe storage of firearms and keeping them away from children. Voted for the February 2026 law changing the limits on how close cannabis dispensaries may be to schools and houses of worship.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Sponsored A814, directing the commissioner of health to develop and carry out a public awareness campaign on safe storage of firearms and child access prevention; he voted yes on Jan. 28, 2025, and it was signed into law as Chapter 26 on Feb. 14, 2025. Voted yes on S9155, which amends the limits on locating retail adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, on Feb. 11, 2026; it was signed into law as Chapter 2 the same day.
Sponsor of A814 and voted yes on it; voted yes on S9155 · 2025-01-28 to 2026-02-11 · A814 signed into law as Chapter 26 on Feb. 14, 2025; S9155 signed into law as Chapter 2 on Feb. 11, 2026
Schools, teacher reviews and trade training
Central to the raceState law sets many rules public schools follow, such as how teachers and principals are reviewed; the Assembly decides whether to change those rules and what the state does to promote trade schools and job training.
Irene Guanill
Wants to vigorously promote trade schools so young people gain valuable skills for the future, and says education needs to be accessible to all.
Irene Guanill campaign website — My Platform ↗Michael R. Benedetto
In coverageSponsored laws on annual performance reviews of teachers and principals, uniform statewide diapering and toileting protocols for public school students, and extending New York City School Construction Authority provisions to 2028; also sponsors a bill on type 1 diabetes information for parents that passed both houses in June 2026.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Sponsored A9849 on annual professional performance reviews of teachers and principals; it passed the Assembly and Senate on May 15, 2024, with his yes vote, and was signed into law as Chapter 143 on June 28, 2024. Sponsored A9777, requiring the education commissioner to set uniform statewide protocols for diapering and toileting students in public schools; he voted yes on May 30, 2024, it passed the Senate on June 4, 2024, and it was signed into law as Chapter 361 on Sept. 27, 2024. Sponsored A9581, extending New York City School Construction Authority provisions to 2028; he voted yes on May 23, 2024, and it was signed into law as Chapter 137 on June 28, 2024. Sponsored A11057, requiring the Education Department to develop type 1 diabetes information for parents and guardians of elementary students; it passed the Assembly 140-0 on June 3, 2026, with his yes vote, and the Senate on June 4, 2026.
Sponsor of A9849, A9777, A9581 and A11057; voted yes on each in the Assembly · 2024-05-15 to 2026-06-04 · A9849 signed into law as Chapter 143 on June 28, 2024; A9777 signed into law as Chapter 361 on Sept. 27, 2024; A9581 signed into law as Chapter 137 on June 28, 2024; A11057 passed the Assembly on June 3, 2026 and the Senate on June 4, 2026
Housing costs and homeownership
Central to the raceMuch of New York's housing law moves through the state budget, such as the 2024-25 education, labor, housing and family assistance budget bill signed in April 2024, so an Assembly member's budget votes shape state housing policy.
Irene Guanill
Supports grants for first-time home buyers and wants no property taxes for seniors, allowing them to age with dignity and security.
Irene Guanill campaign website — My Platform ↗Michael R. Benedetto
In coverageVoted for the 2024-25 state budget bill covering education, labor, housing and family assistance, which became law in April 2024.
✓ Track record — what they've actually done
Voted yes on S8306, the bill implementing the 2024-25 state education, labor, housing and family assistance budget, in the Assembly floor vote on April 20, 2024; it was signed into law as Chapter 56 the same day.
Voted yes in the Assembly floor vote · 2024-04-20 · Signed into law as Chapter 56 on April 20, 2024