2025 Ballot Guide

In New York City, NYIC Action has endorsed a slate of candidates who share our vision for immigrant justice and will be champions for policies that support our vision for an equitable New York.

New Yorkers will also have the opportunity to vote on ballot proposals; make sure to flip over your ballot to find them! This year, there is 1 statewide amendment and 5 NYC-only ballot questions. NYIC Action has not made a vote recommendation on the proposals, but we are providing more information to help you vote! Check out the ballot language and added context:

Statewide

Proposal 1

Text on your ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex In Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land

This issue stands before NYS voters because it seeks to amend the State Constitution to change the use of (and add) State Forest Preserve land.

A “YES” vote allows expanding the ski trails of an existing Olympic Sports complex and adds 2,500 acres of forest land to Adirondack Park.

NYC Only

Proposal 2

Text on your ballot: Fast Track Affordable Housing to Build More Affordable Housing Across the City

This proposal would make 2 “fast tracks” for some applications:

Part 1: Fast Track Zoning Action

Publicly financed projects by Housing Development Fund Companies can seek zoning waivers through the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA).

Part 2: Affordable Housing Fast Track

In the 12 community districts producing the least affordable housing, rezoning applications that create Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) can be fast tracked through the City Planning Commission, skipping City Council review and Mayoral veto.

A “YES” vote creates these two processes to fast-track some affordable housing projects.

Proposal 3

Text on your ballot: Simplify Review of Modest Housing and Infrastructure Projects

The Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP) would be for modest housing projects, affordable housing related dispositions & acquisitions, climate infrastructure, and open space projects. ELURP skips City Council review and mayoral veto.

What are “modest” housing projects?

• In medium- and high-density areas: Up to 30% increase in residential capacity, with all projects either MIH or Universal Affordability Preference (UAP).

• In low-density areas: 45 ft. height limit

A “YES” vote creates this expedited review process for these projects.

Proposal 4

Text on your ballot: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with Council, Borough, and Citywide Representation

The new Appeals Board would be made up of the Mayor, City Council Speaker, and Borough President of the affected borough (or their designees). If ⅔ of the Board agree, they can reverse City Council disapproval of applications that create affordable housing. This replaces mayoral veto and City Council override in the current process.

A “YES” vote creates this Affordable Housing Appeals Board.

Proposal 5

Text on your ballot: Create a Digital City Map to Modernize City Operations

Today, the City Map is 8,000 pieces of paper managed across the five boroughs. The new digital map would be a single map managed by the Department of City Planning (DCP).

A “YES” vote consolidates paper borough maps into one centralized digital City Map at the DCP.

Proposal 6

Text on your ballot: Move Local Elections to Presidential Election Years to Increase Voter Participation

Currently, city elections are held in odd-numbered years and presidential elections on even-numbered years. To adopt this proposal, a change in New York State law is also needed. The soonest it could begin is 2032.

Pros

• Likely to increase turnout and broaden representation

• Reduces election administration costs

• Allows movement organizations to focus on issue-based organizing in odd years

Cons

• Longer ballot with more to decide on

• Ballot fatigue/down-ballot drop-off may reduce voter attention to local offices

• Grassroots candidates and local issues may struggle for visibility amid federal races

A “YES” vote moves City elections to the same year as Federal Presidential elections, when permitted by state law.

What does “affordable” mean in these proposals?

Housing is considered “affordable” when rent is 30% or less of income.

The Fast Track Zoning Action in Prop 2 is for publicly financed projects, which are generally 100% affordable to families at the lowest income levels.

The Affordable Housing Fast Track in Prop 2 is for applications subject to MIH, which includes both market rate and permanently affordable housing, generally at 60% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).

The Affordable Housing Appeals Board in Prop 4 is for projects that create income-restricted rental & homeownership opportunities, most frequently including MIH.

New York AG Letitia James Indictment Makes a Mockery of our Justice System

New York, NY—Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted as part of a mortgage fraud investigation. The charges come as Donald Trump and the Department of Justice continue pursuing legal action against several political opponents.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, NYIC Action:

“America is supposed to be a nation of laws, except it seems under a Trump administration. This attack on New York Attorney General Letitia James is a clear abuse of power, perpetrated by a vengeful administration determined to extract payback from those who once investigated the president, while intimidating its political foes. This act of retaliation only serves to erode public trust in our institutions and our government. At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet during a government shutdown, our federal resources must instead be focused on improving the lives of all Americans. These charges against James must be dismissed immediately.”

NYIC Action Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor To Champion Immigrant NYers

New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action–the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition–proudly announced its endorsement of the Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City. This endorsement comes at a pivotal moment as immigrant communities are under attack–from Donald Trump’s escalated efforts for his mass deportation agenda, to NYC Mayor Adams scapegoating immigrant New Yorkers and cozying up to Trump to save his political career.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:

“New Yorkers sent a clear message at the ballot box: we’re ready for a new city and a new future. New Yorkers didn’t just vote for change—they demanded it. For the past four years, working-class and immigrant New Yorkers have paid the price for failed leadership. Our neighbors have endured the cost of living skyrocketing, cuts to essential programs, and a mayor more concerned about his political future than the wellbeing of our city. New York City deserves a mayor who will fight like hell for the communities that make this city what it is— and that leader is Zohran. We know he will champion policies that will make the city more affordable for the New Yorkers who built it. Immigrants, working class people, and communities of color deserve to be championed and celebrated at City Hall. From the State Capitol to the streets of our neighborhoods, Zohran has demonstrated he will fight for all of us– and we know that he’ll deliver that same leadership as Mayor. We are proud to endorse Mamdani for Mayor of New York City, and look forward to helping him cross the finish line this November.”

Pro Immigrant Electeds Cruise to Victory in NYC Primary Despite Trump’s Ongoing Deportation Agenda

New York, NY—While several contests in New York City’s June Primary remain too close to call, it is clear that New Yorkers showed up for immigrant communities at the ballot box.

Last night, NYIC Action’s-– the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization–slate of endorsed candidates for New York City Council and District Attorney emerged victorious. They can now continue their work as champions for immigrant New Yorkers in the halls of power at City Hall. 

This victory is significant as we continue to witness attacks on immigrant communities through the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda, including increased ICE enforcement and immigrant New Yorkers being kidnapped by masked agents in plainclothes – ripped away from their communities, families, and homes. 

​​With most of the results in, NYIC Action-endorsed candidates who triumphed include:

Manhattan:

• Harvey Epstein - District 2

• Erik Bottcher - District 3

• Gale A. Brewer - District 6

• Shaun Abreu - District 7

• Elsie R. Encarnacion - District 8

• Carmen N. De La Rosa - District 10

• Alvin Bragg - District Attorney 

The Bronx:

• Amanda C Farias - District 13

• Pierina A Sanchez - District 14

• Althea Stevens - District 16

Queens:

• Tiffany L Cabán - District 22

• Linda Lee - District 23

• Shekar Krishnan - District 25

• Julie Won - District 26

• Nantasha Williams - District 27

• Lynn Schulman - District 29

Brooklyn:

• Lincoln Restler - District 33

• Jennifer Gutiérrez - District 34

• Crystal R Hudson - District 35

• Sandra M Nurse - District 37

• Alexa Aviles - District 38

• Shahana K Hanif - District 39

• Rita Joseph - District 40

• Kayla Santosuosso - District 47

• Eric Gonzalez - District Attorney

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:

“Last night's results demonstrate the unity of everyday working-class New Yorkers. They collectively rejected the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda and sent a clear message that it has no place in our city. As ICE escalates its enforcement under Trump’s renewed assault on immigrant communities, the stakes have never been higher. We need pro-immigrant leaders at every level of government who will defend our communities and fight to expand protections, resources, and opportunities for immigrant New Yorkers and everyone who calls this city home. We congratulate our endorsed candidates who emerged victorious, and we look forward to working alongside them to ensure all New Yorkers can thrive and live without fear.” 

Councilmember Paladino Calling for an Elected Official’s Deportation is Bigoted and Wrong

New York, NY—Yesterday, Councilmember Vickie Paladino called for the deportation of Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani in a social media post. 

Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, NYIC Action, said:

“It is deeply disturbing and dangerous for an elected official like Councilmember Vickie Paladino to call for the deportation of a fellow New Yorker and elected official. Assemblymember Mamdani meets all the requirements to hold an elected position in New York. Her attack on Assemblymember Mamdani is xenophobic, plain and simple. At a time when immigrant New Yorkers are being detained in our city’s immigration courts, Paladino’s comments only serve to further embolden anti-immigrant sentiment and violence. New York City deserves leaders who represent the diversity and strength of our communities, not those who promote fear and division.” 

NYIC Action Candidates Triumph in NYS as Trump Takes the Presidency

New York, NY—Last night, New Yorkers showed strong support for our immigrant communities in one of the most significant elections in modern history and overwhelmingly elected our candidates who advocate for immigrant rights. NYIC Action’s slate of 54 endorsed candidates emerged victorious in their State Senate and State Assembly races.

As we brace for another dangerous Trump administration, the needs of our communities remain a priority. It is more crucial than ever to have immigrant champions at the local level, advocating for our communities in the halls of power.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:

“The election results are sobering, but our movement for immigrant justice in New York is not backing down without a fight. At a time when immigration was at the forefront, New Yorkers vehemently rejected the divisive, anti-immigrant rhetoric of MAGA Republicans and voted for leaders who uphold our state’s values of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. While we’ve elected more local leaders committed to immigrant justice, our work to build a more inclusive state and nation is far from over. With a strong coalition of immigrant champions, we can achieve more policy wins that empower immigrant and working families to build the future they deserve. Now is the time for local elected officials to stand up to protect our immigrant neighbors for the stability of NYS’ economy and communities.

​​NYIC Action-endorsed candidates who triumphed include:

State Senate

• Andrea Stewart-Cousins - District 35

• Michael Gianaris - District 12

• Andrew Gounardes - District 26

• April Baskin - District 63

• Brad Hoylman - District 47

• Brian Kavanagh - District 27

• Gustavo Rivera - District 33

• Jabari Brisport - District 25

• Jessica Ramos - District 13

• John Liu - District 16

• Jose M. Serrano - District 29

• Julia Salazar - District 18

• Kristen Gonzalez, District 59

• Luis Sepulveda - District 32

• Nathalia Fernandez - District 34

• Pete Harckham - District 40

• Robert Jackson - District 31

• Samra Brouk - District 55

• Shelley Mayer - District 37

• Zellnor Myrie - District 20

State Assembly

• Carl Heastie - District 83

• Al Taylor - District 71

• Alex Bores - District 73

• Andrew Hevesi - District 28

• Anna Kelles - District 125

• Catalina Cruz - District 39

• Chris Burdick - District 93

• Dana Levenberg - District 95

• Eddie Gibbs - District 68

• Emily Gallagher - District 50 

• George Alvarez - District 78

• Grace Lee - District 65

• Harvey Epstein - District 74

• Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, District 34 

• John Zaccaro Jr. - District 80

• Jonathan Rivera - District 149

• Karines Reyes - District 87

• Khaleel Anderson - District 31

• Larinda Hooks - District 35

• Latrice Walker - District 55

• Manny De Los Santos - District 72

• Marcela Mitaynes - District 51

• Michelle Solages - District 22

• Phara Souffrant Forrest - District 57

• Rebecca Seawright - District 76

• Robert Carroll - District 44

• Ron Kim - District 40

• Sarah Clark - District 136

• Sarahana Shrestha - District 103

• Steven Otis - District 91

• Steven Raga - District 30

• Tony Simone - District 75

• Yudelka Tapia - District 86

• Zohran Mamdani - District 36

• Claire Valdez - District 37

• Emerita Torres - District 85

Immigrant Justice Prevails at the Ballot Box as NYIC Action Endorsed Candidates Triumph in Primary Election

New York, NY—Last night, New Yorkers voted to support immigrant communities by reelecting our slate of immigrant rights legislative champions for the June Primary. 

NYIC Action’s slate of endorsed candidates emerged victorious in their races for the State Senate and State Assembly. With immigration being one of the top concerning issues for both national and local voters, the victory for immigrant justice is clear.

This victory represents a significant milestone in ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers are represented in the halls of power and that policies are ultimately passed that recognize the contributions that immigrants make to our communities and economy. 

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:

“Despite the efforts of MAGA Republicans to push their anti-immigrant agenda and target immigrant communities, New Yorkers rejected the politics of division. These primary election results serve as a reminder that voters elect candidates who lead with inclusive policies that will enable all New Yorkers to thrive. We congratulate NYIC Action’s endorsed candidates and look forward to working with them to advance policies to improve the lives of everyone who calls New York home.”

​​NYIC Action-endorsed candidates who achieved triumph include:

State Senate

• Kristen Gonzalez, District 59

State Assembly

• Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, District 34

• Larinda Hooks, District 35

• Ron Kim, District 40

• Emily Gallagher, District 50

• Eddie Gibbs, District 68

• Al Taylor, District 71

• Manny De Los Santos, District 72

• Sarahana Shrestha, District 103

To view NYIC Action’s full slate of 2024 endorsed candidates, click here. 

Background:

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for New York State Senate and State Assembly. These endorsements were made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs. 

Immigrant Advocates to Donald Trump: The Bronx Does Not Stand with You

New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s rally in the South Bronx.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:
“There is no place for Donald Trump’s hatred and racism in a neighborhood as diverse, vibrant and rich with immigrant history as the South Bronx. We abhor that the former president would rally in a community where roughly one in three people is foreign-born, after claiming that immigrants are ‘poisoning the blood of our country’ and vowing to deport all undocumented immigrants if elected. The former president may have been born in New York, but one glance at his 2016 and 2020 election results in New York State shows that he doesn’t represent New Yorkers. Trump should focus on staying out of jail and leave New Yorkers out of his campaign grounded in white supremacy and nativism.” 

Immigrant Advocates Slam Trump for Spreading Misinformation on Noncitizen Voting

New York, NY—Today, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump held a joint press conference to promote legislation aimed at “elevating the issue of non-citizens voting in federal elections.” House Republicans plan to introduce a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The bill mandates states to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. However, in the United States, federal law already bans noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and instances of noncitizen voting are extremely rare. Across the country, states are required to conduct list maintenance to eliminate ineligible voters from registration lists. Investigations led by Democratic and Republican officials have found almost no instances of noncitizen voting. 

This proposed bill represents MAGA Republicans’ continuous attempts to amplify their anti-immigrant agenda, fearmonger immigrant communities, and delegitimize the country’s democratic process in order to advance their own political interests. 

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:
“Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans continue to spread lies about noncitizen voting in federal elections, using scare tactics to advance their anti-immigrant agenda and secure votes. Spreading these lies undermines the integrity of our democratic process, and puts a target on immigrant communities by perpetuating a culture of fear and division. The facts demonstrate that noncitizen voting is a fabricated issue that lacks any evidence to validate its existence.  The GOP’s exploitation of this falsehood further reveals their disregard for the truth and their motive to create confusion, spread misinformation, and scapegoat immigrants for their own election losses.”

NYIC Action Endorses Immigrant Champions for NYS Legislature, As Immigration Emerges As Top Voter Issue

New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its first round of endorsements for the New York State Senate and State Assembly. 

This round of endorsements encompasses elected leaders from across the state who have all demonstrated their commitment to immigrant rights. They represent diverse communities, helping to ensure inclusive representation for all New Yorkers. These endorsements come at a pivotal moment in a critical election year, as immigration has emerged as the top issue for voters while New York Democrats strive to maintain control of both the State Senate and State Assembly.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:

“As immigration takes center stage, it is crucial that we elect pro-immigrant candidates who have proven their dedication to pushing forward the rights of all New Yorkers. We are proud to endorse this slate of candidates for re-election in the State Legislature, who have consistently stood with immigrant New Yorkers amidst rising anti-immigrant politics fueled by MAGA Republicans. These legislators are experienced leaders who have championed immigrant New Yorkers within the halls of Albany, advocating for representation and equal rights for all. We need a strong legislative body that will pass laws that center the voices of our immigrant neighbors so that all New Yorkers can thrive in our great state.”

NYIC Action's State Legislature endorsed candidates are:

State Senate

• Andrea Stewart-Cousins - District 35 

• Michael Gianaris - District 12

• Andrew Gounardes - District 26

• Brad Hoylman - District 47

• Brian Kavanagh - District 27 

• Gustavo Rivera - District 33

• Jabari Brisport - District 25 

• Jessica Ramos - District 13 

• John Liu - District 16 

• Jose M. Serrano - District 29

• Julia Salazar - District 18

• Kristen Gonzalez - District 59

• Luis Sepulveda - District 32

• Nathalia Fernandez - District 34

• Pete Harckham - District 40

• Robert Jackson - District 31

• Samra Brouk - District 55

• Shelley Mayer - District 37

• Zellnor Myrie - District 20 

State Assembly

• Carl Heastie - District 83

• Al Taylor - District 71

• Alex Bores - District 73

• Andrew Hevesi - District 28

• Anna Kelles - District 125

• Catalina Cruz - District 39

• Chris Burdick - District 93

• Dana Levenberg - District 95

• Eddie Gibbs - District 68

• Emily Gallagher - District 50 

• George Alvarez - District 78

• Grace Lee - District 65

• Harvey Epstein - District 74

• Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas - District 34

• John Zaccaro - District 80

• Jonathan Rivera - District 149

• Karines Reyes - District 87

• Kenny Burgos - District 85

• Khaleel Anderson - District 31

• Latrice Walker - District 55

• Manny De Los Santos - District 72

• Marcela Mitaynes - District 51

• Michelle Solages - District 22

• Phara Souffrant Forrest - District 57

• Rebecca Seawright - District 76

• Robert Carroll - District 44

• Ron Kim - District 40

• Sarah Clark - District 136

• Sarahana Shrestha - District 103

• Steven Otis - District 91

• Steven Raga - District 30 

• Tony Simone - District 75

• Yudelka Tapia - District 86

• Zohran Mamdani - District 36

"I am immensely proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action and ready to continue building a New York that serves the many, not the few. As a proud daughter of an immigrant family, Queens native, and community organizer, I believe that everyone has a right to a dignified life and shouldn't have to struggle for it. That's why I believe in continuing to be a staunch advocate for immigrants in Albany, including by fighting for the New York Health Act and Coverage for All, to ensure that low-income immigrants have equal access to healthcare programs and services,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D59).

“I’m so proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action. As the daughter of an immigrant and the representative of vibrant and diverse immigrant communities, I’m committed to advancing economic and social justice for all New Yorkers. I’m honored to be the prime sponsor of Coverage for All and to work with NYIC on its passage because healthcare is a human right,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D34). 

“NYIC Action has long led the fight to ensure that our state’s vast patchwork for immigrant communities has a seat at the table. Thank you for NYIC Action for your support and for never relenting in the pursuit of a more just and welcoming New York,” said State Senator John Liu (D16). 

"I am so honored to receive the endorsement of NYIC Action, who do the vital work of fighting to protect New York's immigrant communities every day. As a daughter of Haitian immigrants and the chair of the Assembly's New Americans Task Force, it's essential that I'm using my office to organize in tandem with immigrant communities in my district. It is my duty as a legislator to serve all New Yorkers and ensure across-the-board access to vital public resources. I'm excited to organize with NYIC Action over this next term to pass the Access to Representation Act and ensure all of my constituents have the right to counsel. Together, we can continue our fight to balance the scales of justice in New York,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest (D57).

"As the representative of New York's 31st Assembly district, I am deeply grateful for the endorsement of NYIC Action. Their support energizes me to continue championing the rights and opportunities of all immigrants in our diverse community,” said Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson (D31).

Background:

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for New York State Senate and State Assembly. These endorsements were made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs.