Incumbent
Jamaal T. Bailey
Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Insurance
Focus: Public safety
No endorsements beyond the Democratic nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
General Election
ELECTION WAS NOV 3
NY Senate · Senate District 36
Bail law divides a Democratic incumbent since 2017 and a Conservative challenger
Jamaal T. Bailey, a Democrat, has held the seat since 2017 and won it in 2024 with 91.5% of the vote. Grace Marrero, on the Conservative line, ran unsuccessfully for the Assembly in 2024 and for Bronx borough president in 2025.
Candidates
GM
Grace Marrero
Founder and former chairperson of the Allerton Barnes block association
Economy — Believes inflation is the result of over-regulation and green initiatives. Supports greater transparency in government spending and is concerned about property developers having free rein.
No endorsements beyond the Conservative Party nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
▸ Your ballot — State Senator - District 36
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Issues
Bail, policing and criminal justice
The Legislature writes New York's bail law, criminal procedure and police training rules, and the governor signs or vetoes them; the choice is whether to keep or repeal the current bail law and how far to set rules for police and prosecutors.
Believes crime is out of control and supports repealing the state's bail reform legislation.
Branch voter guide — Grace Marrero profileEconomy, consumer protection and state spending
The Legislature passes the state budget, including the 2026-27 budget bill that passed the Senate 38-24 in May 2026, and sets the rules businesses must follow; in dispute is whether that regulation drives up prices and should be pared back or be extended to protect consumers, and how openly the state accounts for its spending.
Believes inflation is the result of over-regulation and green initiatives. Supports greater transparency in government spending and is concerned about property developers having free rein.
Branch voter guide — Grace Marrero profileHealth care
State law decides how far government regulates medical care; the Medical Aid in Dying Act passed the Senate 35-27 in June 2025 and became law in February 2026.
Opposes government intervention in the COVID-19 pandemic and believes the role of big business in the health care sector needs to be reined in.
Branch voter guide — Grace Marrero profileThe money
Cycle-to-date · NYS Board of Elections — figures change as new reports are filed.
Bailey$363K
Researched & verified Sep 30, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.
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