NYIC Action Endorses Gov. Hochul & Other State Champions, Amid Escalating Attacks Against Immigrant NYers

New York, NY – Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its first endorsement of a New York State Gubernatorial candidate, as well as endorsements for Attorney General, and Congress in the November 2026 General Election. 

Our slate includes elected officials who are already fighting alongside us to advance equity, dignity, and justice in the face of escalating right-wing fear-mongering and federal attacks on New Yorkers.

These endorsements come as the federal government continues to wreak havoc within immigrant communities across the state, pouring billions of dollars into its mass deportation agenda, while New Yorkers are facing funding cuts of life-saving programs, from housing to healthcare. New York must elect leaders prepared to defend immigrant families and build a state where all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, can thrive and live with dignity. 

Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, NYIC Action

"ICE agents are snatching our neighbors off our streets. Washington is gutting the healthcare and life-saving programs New York families depend on. This is a federal government at war with its own people, and New Yorkers are done asking the Trump administration to stop. We need leaders in every corner of this state, from Buffalo to the Bronx, from the Hudson Valley to Long Island, who will stand up to the Trump regime. The candidates NYIC Action is endorsing today look like New York, and every one of them will fight for immigrant New Yorkers and for the policies that let our families thrive.

"For the first time in our history, NYIC Action is endorsing a candidate for Governor of New York. The stakes are too high to sit this out, and the ugly rhetoric on the campaign trail is too dangerous to ignore. New Yorkers deserve to know exactly who sees immigrants as the backbone of this state and who sees us as a punching bag. Governor Hochul has shown us where she stands: investing in legal services, protecting immigrants from ICE's brutal tactics, and delivering a historic expansion of free childcare across the state. She is the only candidate in this race fighting for every hardworking New York family, and NYIC Action is proud to stand with her."

NYIC Action’s endorsed candidates include:

New York State Governor

• Kathy C. Hochul

New York State Lieutenant Governor

• Adrienne Adams

New York Attorney General

• Letitia A. James

Congress

• Gregory W. Meeks, NY-5

• Grace Meng, NY-6

• Claire Valdez, NY-7

• Hakeem S. Jeffries, NY-8

• Yvette D. Clarke, NY-9

• Brad Lander, NY-10

• Mike DeCillis, N-11

• Micah C. Lasher, NY-12

• Darializa Avila Chevalier, NY-13

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NY-14

• Paul D. Tonko, NY-20

• Joseph D. Morelle, NY-25

• Timothy M. Kennedy, NY-26

State Senate

• Monica R. Martinez, D4

• Toby Ann Stavisky, D11

• Aber Kawas, D12

• Jessica González-Rojas, D13

• John Liu, D16

• Larry He, D17

• Julia Salazar, D18

• Zellnor Myrie, D20

• Jabari Brisport, D25

• Andrew Gounardes, D26

• Grace Lee, D27

• Jose M. Serrano, D29

• Cordell Cleare, D30

• Robert Jackson, D31

• Luis Sepúlveda, D32

• Gustavo Rivera, D33

• Nathalia Fernandez, D34

• Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D35

• Shelley B. Mayer, D37

• Lisa Kaul, D39

• Peter B. Harckham, D40

• Michelle Hinchey, D41

• Sarah F. Rogerson, D44

• Patricia A. Fahy, D46

• Erik D. Bottcher, D47

• Rachel May, D48

• Chirstopher J. Ryan, D50

• Lea Webb, D52

• Samra Brouk, D55

• Jeremy Cooney, D56

• Kristen Gonzalez, D59

• Jon Rivera, D61

• April Baskin, D63

State Assembly

• Philip R. Ramos, D6

• Kwani B. O’Pharrow, D11

• Charles Lavine, D13

• Noah Burroughs, D18

• Michaelle C. Solages, D22

• Andrew D. Hevesi, D28

• Patrick Martinez, D30

• Khaleel M. Anderson, D31

• Brian Romero, D34

• Diana Moreno, D36

• Samantha Kattan, D37

• David Orkin, D38

• Catalina Cruz, D39

• Ron Kim, D40

• Robert Carroll, D44

• Chris McCreight, D46

• Joyce Xiaoqiong Xie, D49

• Emily Gallagher, D50

• Marcela Mitaynes, D51

• Christian Celeste Tate, D54

• Eon Huntley, D56

• Phara Souffrant Forrest, D57

• Monique Chandler-Waterman, D58

• Illapa Sairitupac, D65

• Linda Rosenthal, D67

• Diana I. Ayala, D68

• Eli Northrup, D69

• Jordan Wright, D70

• Al Taylor, D71

• Manny De Los Santos, D72

• Keith Powers, D74

• Tony Simone, D75

• Rebecca Seawright, D76

• George Alvarez, D78

• Jeffrey Dinowitz, D81

• Carl Heastie, D83

• Amanda N. Septimo, D84

• Yudelka Tapia, D86

• Karines Reyes, D87

• Steven Otis, D91

• Chris Burdick, D93

• Dana Levenberg, D95

• Sarahana Shrestha, D103

• Gabriella Romero, D109

• Anna Kelles, D125

• Pamela Hunter, D128

• Maurice Brown, D129

• Sarah Clark, D136

• Demond Meeks, D137

• Adam Bojak, D149

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Background:

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for New York State Governor, New York State Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Senate, State Assembly, and Congress. 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.

Zohran Mamdani Cruises to Victory, Setting a New Era for Immigrant Justice in NYC

New York, NY—An historic breaking number of New Yorkers showed up to vote in today’s election, delivering a decisive victory for Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. NYIC Action–the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501(c)4 organization–was proud to endorse Mamdani for Mayor of New York City as a champion for immigrants and the first immigrant mayor in decades.

This victory is significant as the Trump administration escalates their mass detention and deportation agenda and intensifies its attacks on immigrant communities–including increased ICE enforcement and immigrant New Yorkers being kidnapped by masked agents in plainclothes – ripped away from their communities, families, and homes.

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

“Tonight’s results prove that when candidates speak to the needs of everyday New Yorkers and reach out to immigrant communities, they win. New Yorkers rejected Trump’s mayoral candidate and sent a clear message that the Trump Administration’s war on working people and immigrants have no place in our city. As attacks on our communities escalate, we need local leaders who will fight for us and protect all New Yorkers from the mass deportation agenda. New York City showed up to the ballot box and said Zohran Mamdani is that leader. As mayor, he will deliver for all New Yorkers struggling with the affordability crisis and defend everyone who calls this city home, including immigrants. We congratulate Mamdani on this historic victory and look forward to working alongside him to build a city where every New York family can live in freedom.”

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.”