The state Legislature welcomed 24 new lawmakers from nearly every region of New York. With the legislative session just getting started, each one hopes to create their own legacy, pass bills and address the priorities of their regions. In some cases, they’ve been here before. For others, launching a candidacy didn’t seem like a possibility until recently. Albany’s newest state lawmakers took some time to share a bit about themselves, their districts and their legislative goals. But more importantly, they have some great recommendations for where to eat when you visit their communities. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.

State Senators

Steve Chan (R)

District 17

X: @SteveChanForNY

Current residence: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Hometown: Hong Kong

How did you get started in politics?

I just got started in politics this year, fed up with the state of our neighborhood/city/state, policies that make no sense.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My top priorities are to straighten out crime and punishment, stop wasteful spending, restore meritocracy in education.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

I’m eager to help our police do their jobs, protect crime victims, help our students and I like the idea of term limits.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

I admire Rudy Giuliani as a politician in the past. I worked as a police officer under him to fight crime in New York City, and it was incredibly effective.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

I love the outdoors, fishing. Not many know that New York is famous for fishing. My favorite places in New York to visit are the Catskill region, and the Bight of the New York City area.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

My district is incredibly diverse, there are many great restaurants of all cultures and styles. To name one single restaurant that’s underrated is simply not enough. But immediately coming to mind are Ciccio’s Pizza on Avenue U and West 5th Street in Gravesend, and Duck Wong Noodles on 86th Street in Bath Beach. Fantastic food for a reasonable price.

Chris Ryan (D)

District 50

Instagram: @ChrisRyanCNY

X: @ChrisRyanSD50

Current residence: Geddes

Hometown: Geddes

How did you get started in politics?

I’ve always had a keen interest in public service. My family has been involved in politics and public service for many years and I decided to be an advocate for my community by running for town board. I spent six years on the Geddes Town Board before running for County Legislature.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

Making sure that Central New York has the necessary workforce, transportation and infrastructure improvements to meet our Micron moment and other upcoming economic development opportunities.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

Ensuring necessary access to health care that all residents, including the uninsured and underinsured, deserve.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Vona’s Italian Restaurant in Oswego

April Baskin (D)

District 63

Instagram: @aprilbaskin716

Current residence: Buffalo

Hometown: Buffalo

How did you get started in politics?

In 2016, I was recruited to run for a vacant County Legislature seat. I knew very little about politics, but I was engaged in the community. Some people saw something in me that I didn’t realize at the moment, and since that day, my life has changed forever.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

I really want to listen and learn from my colleagues in the Senate on how to be an effective senator.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

I want to explore better pathways for small, emerging businesses to work on state projects. Also increasing affordable housing and improving public transportation.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Shirley Chisholm. I was elected this year on the 56th anniversary of her election as the first Black woman to Congress. I am the first Black woman to represent Western New York in the state Senate, and I take her spirit with me.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Outside of the beautiful parks and museums in Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Lackawanna, my favorite region is the Finger Lakes. The scenic views on the lakes, plus the history of Seneca Falls, makes for a great weekend getaway.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Mulberry Italian Ristorante in Lackawanna

Assembly Members

Tommy John Schiavoni (D)

District 1

X: @TJSchiavoni

Instagram: @tjschiavoni

Current residence: Sag Harbor

Hometown: Sag Harbor

How did you get started in politics?

Participating in government on all levels was instilled in me and my brothers and sisters when we were young. Additionally, I taught our form of democracy and economics over my 32 years as a teacher. Moving into municipal government was a natural progression for me. I worked on numerous campaigns and held several appointed and elected offices before I was elected to the Assembly.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany? 

My top priority as a representative in the Assembly is to maintain and enhance the quality of public education in New York state, thereby preserving the state’s historical leadership in providing high-quality public education for all children. As a seasoned educator with 32 years of experience, I am keenly aware of public education’s pivotal role in equalizing access to social mobility through public investment in the state’s children.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire? 

There are numerous prominent New York politicians that I admire, one in particular being Sen. Robert Wagner, who played a crucial role in implementing many of the New Deal programs, as well as introducing the National Labor Relations Act and the Social Security Act, both of which have had significant positive impacts on middle-class and older Americans up until present day.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Rather than underrated, I will reveal one of the best-kept secrets of the East End. Il Cappaccino’s in Sag Harbor has been providing exceptional Italian cuisine since the early 1970s under consistent management. Its garlic knots are genuinely outstanding, and the food is delicious.

Kwani O’Pharrow (D)

District 11

Instagram: @kwanib.opharrow

Current residence: West Babylon

Hometown: Brooklyn

How did you get started in politics?

I got started in politics through my involvement in community service. Although I had never worked in politics before, I was approached with an opportunity and accepted the assignment. It felt natural to transition from service to a political role, as it’s all about making a difference in the community. This experience allowed me to better understand the needs of people and how political decisions impact their lives. My passion for helping others motivates me to continue in this field.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany? 

My top priority during my tenure in Albany is ensuring public safety. I believe that a safe community is foundational for everyone. Alongside public safety, I am also committed to improving education, providing affordable housing and supporting our veterans. Each of these areas is interconnected and essential for fostering a thriving community. By addressing these priorities, we can create a better quality of life for all residents.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on? 

I’m eager to work on several key policy areas, including health care access, environmental sustainability and economic development.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire? 

I admire Shirley Chisholm, a groundbreaking political figure in New York’s history. As the first Black woman elected to Congress, she paved the way for future generations of leaders. Her boldness and dedication to social justice, women’s rights and racial equality made a significant impact on American politics.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit? 

One of my favorite places to visit in New York is the vineyards on Long Island. The North Fork is particularly known for its picturesque vineyards, stunning waterfront views, and the charming atmosphere of small towns like Greenport.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

An underrated restaurant in my district is Bayview Kitchen. It offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious, locally sourced dishes that often highlight seasonal ingredients.

Daniel Norber (R)

District 16

X: @NorberForNY

Instagram: @norberforny

Current residence: Great Neck

Hometown: Raanana, Israel

How did you get started in politics?

I have a B.A. in government from Reichman University in Israel. While running a New York City moving company, I continuously witnessed the exodus of good New Yorkers from our great state. It kept getting worse each year, and I felt that we are losing our state due to failed policies. So, I decided to put my hat in the ring this year and run for (the) Assembly.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany? 

Repealing cashless bail.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

We need to fight antisemitism in our schools. Many students and teachers are saying they are experiencing hate toward the Jewish community. People are overtly attacking them just because of their background. This needs to end, and we need to implement a mask ban so protestors can no longer spew hatred and violence while hiding behind a mask.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire? 

Ronald Reagan.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit? 

Lake Placid.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

A restaurant I like a lot is Hendrick’s Tavern in Roslyn.

Noah Burroughs (D)

District 18

Current residence: Hempstead

Hometown: Hempstead

How did you get started in politics?

My father grew up as a civil rights activist. He was a staffer in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the ’50s, so I grew up with great stories of his hardworking effort to integrate the South.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany? 

My top priority is to get full state aid from government to fully restore Foundation Aid.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on? 

I’m eager to solve the crisis we have at Nassau University Medical Center (and the) $560 million budget gap. We need to increase funding for Nassau Community College and change the formula that funds charter schools. In essence, stop having public and charter schools compete with one another for funding.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire? 

The political figure that I admire the most is Martin Luther King Jr.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit? 

My favorite place to visit is Madison Square Garden for a New York Knicks playoff game.

What is the most underrated restaurant in your district?

One of the favorite restaurants that I have that is in my region is called 3 Brothers in Rockville Centre.

Judy Griffin (D)

District 21

X: @judygriffinny

Instagram: @judygriffinny

Current residence: Rockville Centre

Hometown: Bay Shore

How did you get started in politics? 

I was the director of community outreach and senior adviser for Sen. Todd Kaminsky from 2016-2018. This experience inspired me to run to represent Assembly District 21 in 2018, and as a first-time candidate I was victorious and proud of the positive impact I made throughout two terms.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

I’m in a unique and fortunate situation, having previously served my district from 2019-2022. I am excited to return to Albany to work collaboratively as a majority member, leaning on my experience and relationships to better serve my constituents in southwestern Nassau County: to enhance our suburban way of life, deliver our fair share of state resources and make New York state a better place to live, work and play.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

I admire U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg because she led the way for so many women and mothers to pursue their careers and serve impactfully. Her impressive accomplishments and advocacy of justice and equality for women and minorities will inspire and serve as a call to action for decades to come.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

New York has so many beautiful regions but my favorite is Montauk, Long Island. My husband and I started visiting Montauk when we first met, and we began camping there with our children 30 years ago. Montauk is unique in its scenic landscape, character and gorgeous beaches. While only two hours away, it is a true respite.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Don Miguel Cafe & Restaurant is a local hidden gem in Freeport. I believe it is more unknown than underrated. I recently enjoyed a delicious meal at this family-owned restaurant and appreciated the warm and friendly atmosphere and service and that the meals have that homemade feel.

Larinda Hooks (D)

District 35

Instagram: @larindafornys

Current residence: East Elmhurst, Queens

Hometown: East Elmhurst, Queens

How did you get started in politics? 

My journey into politics grew out of a lifelong commitment to community organizing and civil rights. Early on, I served as president of the Ericsson Street Block Association, representing my neighbors and working to improve local quality of life. That grassroots experience eventually led me to join the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association, where I served as president of the executive board. In all these roles, I saw firsthand how advocacy, partnership and public service can uplift entire neighborhoods. This passion for community development and social equity inspired me to run for office and represent the 35th Assembly District.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

I actually have two top priorities, one is delivering economic development to my district so that every member of my community can flourish. I am committed to job creation initiatives and strengthening education and skills development for a capable workforce. The second is that I’m also committed to advancing equitable civic rights and ensuring that resources go where they’re most needed – whether it’s expanding after-school programs, increasing access to mental health services or fueling small-business growth.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

I deeply admire Helen M. Marshall, who not only made history as the first African American Queens borough president, but also began her public service journey in ways very similar to mine – active in her local PTA and civic association before moving on to the Assembly.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

My favorite pastime is shopping, and when I’m not working or advocating for my community, I find time to take a leisurely trip to the Woodbury Commons for some retail therapy! It has become my place of zen and relaxation.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

An underrated restaurant in my district would be Cali Aji located on Astoria Boulevard and 98th Street; it’s a small Colombian restaurant, but it has some of the best tasting cuisine in my neighborhood. The owner is very friendly and welcoming. This place is especially popular on Fridays for their renowned shrimp soup. If you are ever in East Elmhurst, you should plan to stop by.

Claire Valdez (D)

District 37

X: @claireforqueens

Instagram: @claireforqueens

Bluesky: @claireforqueens.bsky.social

Current residence: Ridgewood, Queens

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

How did you get started in politics?

Joining my union, UAW Local 2110, gave me a material understanding of how collective power can make our lives better – we win fair pay and good benefits when we organize. I learned to fight alongside my coworkers for contract demands and to elect union reformers like Shawn Fain. My union gave me the confidence to organize in campaigns to tax the rich and elect socialist legislators like Julia Salazar.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

Creating permanently affordable housing. We all deserve safe, healthy homes, and right now too many New Yorkers are facing rent hikes, suffering with poor living conditions or experiencing homelessness. I support the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, the Housing Access Voucher Program and the creation of a Social Housing Development Authority to build and repair environmentally sustainable, permanently affordable and resident-controlled housing.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

I’m so inspired by my fellow Socialists in Office in the state Legislature: Phara Souffrant 

Forrest, Jabari Brisport, Marcela Mitaynes, Sarahana Shrestha, and my neighbors Emily Gallagher, Kristen Gonzalez, Zohran Mamdani and Julia Salazar. Their campaigns were built from the bottom up, developed hundreds of new leaders in our communities, and they’re winning things like BPRA and “good cause” eviction.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

I gotta say, I love the beach. It’s one of my favorite things about our city, that you can take public transit to the Rockaways or Brighton or Jacob Riis – all public beaches! It’s an incredible working-class entitlement that we have to support with more lifeguards, better mass transit access and more time off for workers to enjoy.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Right on the edge of the district, but I have to give it to Pupusas Ridgewood. You can catch me out there on a sunny day with a huitlacoche pupusa and marañon fresco.

Micah Lasher (D)

District 69

X: @MicahLasher

Instagram: @LasherForAssembly

Bluesky: @micahlasher.bsky.social

Current residence: New York City

Hometown: New York City

How did you get started in politics?

My first memory of politics was as a kid, going door-knocking with my mom for Clinton-Gore in 1992. Then, as a high school student, I signed up at a volunteer table to get involved in my local Democratic club on the Upper West Side. Years later, I had the great good fortune to work as an aide to Rep. Jerry Nadler, as director of state legislative affairs for the city of New York, as chief of staff to the New York state attorney general and as director of policy for the state of New York under Gov. Kathy Hochul.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My top priority is one that spans a range of issues: to restore people’s faith in the capacity of the public sector to deliver, and in turn, to restore a sense of excitement and optimism about New York’s future.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

I am focused on strengthening our mental health care system, making our communities safer, building more affordable housing, supporting a world-class transit system, and, last but not least, getting the damn scaffolding down!

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Al Smith, governor and “Happy Warrior” – a spectacular advocate for poor and working-class New Yorkers, whose reforms ushered New York state government into the modern era.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

The waterfront of Riverside Park.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Sal & Carmine Pizza, on 102nd and Broadway – the pizza place of my youth, it has perfected the New York slice, despite being overshadowed in recent years by the also spectacular Mama’s Too. We have an embarrassment of pizza riches in the 69th Assembly District.

Jordan Wright (D)

District 70

X: @Wright4Harlem

Instagram: @jordanwright4harlem

Current residence: Harlem, New York

Hometown: Harlem, New York

How did you get started in politics?

I was born into politics, via my dad, Keith L.T. Wright. But, I’ve had the privilege of growing up alongside some real Harlem legends like Charlie Rangel. Two years ago, I took on the challenge of managing the campaign for then-City Council candidate, and Exonerated Five member, Yusef Salaam. Yusef won his race, and I moved into the role of chief of staff.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My top priority while in Albany will be to make sure I am creating meaningful legislation that will positively impact my district. Ensuring that kitchen table issues aren’t burdening families, and creating paths toward the future where families have a real fighting chance at growing towards prosperity.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

It’s important to me that I am involved in the creation of public safety policy, as well as policy that ensures every child has a quality education. The two go hand in hand, honestly. Our children are safer in school than they are in the streets.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Harlem’s own Inez Dickens is a political figure I respect and admire. In a time when the political landscape was dominated by men, Inez etched her mark into the Harlem political sphere as a no-nonsense councilwoman back in 2005. She then became the assemblywoman for the 70th District in 2016. Inez Dickens has been a fighter for Harlemites, and a trailblazer for young women citywide who look to embark on a career in government.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

The Victoria Restaurant located in Harlem’s own Victoria Hotel. People walk by it all the time. If ever in Harlem on 125th Street, stop in. You won’t be disappointed.

Emerita Torres (D)

District 85

X: @emeritatorresny

Instagram: @emeritatorresny

Threads: @emeritatorresny

Current residence: Bronx

Hometown: Bronx

How did you get started in politics?

By accident. Before politics, I was a U.S. diplomat, working on issues like governance, economic security, and science and technology access under both Democratic and Republican administrations. I later led public policy initiatives on housing, transit and economic mobility at the Community Service Society of New York. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked alongside neighbors to deliver relief in the South Bronx, inspiring me to run for and win a hyperlocal position – state committee – in 2020.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

Addressing New York’s cost-of-living crisis, expanding affordable housing and improving public safety. My focus is on maximizing government efficiency to make every dollar count while creating long-term solutions that enable New Yorkers to thrive – not just survive.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

Economic mobility. New York’s “elevator” is broken – working- and middle-class families struggle to get ahead despite their efforts. In the Bronx, many are stuck on the ground floor, working hard but unable to rise. As a mom of two under 2, I feel the economic frustration that so many other families here express. I want to bring a growth-focused approach to Albany, informed by my lived experience as a Bronxite and my professional background in data-driven policy and government at local, national and global levels.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Soundview Park. It’s a green gem in my district that offers moments of peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

La Giralda Bakery on 163rd Street in Hunts Point. Their ham and cheese tostada with café con leche is the perfect way to start the day.

Patrick Carroll (D)

District 96

X: @PatCarrollNY

Instagram: @patcarrollny

Threads: @patcarrollny

Current residence: Bardonia

Hometown: Glocester, Rhode Island

How did you get started in politics?

I was involved in politics at a very early age working on campaigns for my mother, Mary Ann Carroll, who served in Glocester (my hometown) town and school government and as a Rhode Island state representative from District 15. From that point, I was hooked on public service and when I graduated from law school I served two terms on the Glocester, Rhode Island, Town Council before moving to Clarkstown, New York, and serving for the last seven years on the Clarkstown Town Board.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My priority in Albany is to fight to make life easier for folks in our communities. Whether it is working to ensure that suburban communities like ours get relief from unfair taxes like congestion pricing, or ensuring wraparound services for school children so that their parents can go to work or advocating for our police and first responders, my goal is to make sure that we all have a voice in state government.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

As the father of four young daughters, I value our clean water, beautiful parks and natural attractions. I am eager to work to protect our water and expand and protect our parkland.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Teddy Roosevelt

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

My family vacations in Lake George every year. The picturesque setting plus our annual traditions make it a place I think of often.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Not sure if it’s underrated, but one of our favorite restaurants is Grub in West Nyack. Everything on the Asian fusion menu is amazing.

Aron Wieder (D)

District 97

X: @AronWieder

Current residence: Spring Valley

Hometown: Ramapo

How did you get started in politics?

I first ran for public office as a board member on the East Ramapo School Board. Motivated by a desire to address educational inequities in my community, I wanted to be a voice for students and ensure they received the resources needed for success.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My top priority is addressing the inequity in state funding for the East Ramapo School District and improving public infrastructure. I also want to enhance the quality of life in the 97th Assembly District by focusing on public safety, better resources and services that benefit all residents.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

I’m eager to work on fiscal sustainability, ensuring we manage our state budget responsibly, and on advancing social justice policies to address systemic inequalities in education, health care and economic opportunity.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

I admire President Theodore Roosevelt for his reformist policies, conservation efforts and commitment to addressing economic inequality. His leadership in advocating for fairness and his dedication to tackling major issues have had a lasting impact and continue to inspire those who seek to improve society.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

My favorite place is Niagara Falls. The natural beauty and powerful energy of the Falls always inspire me, reminding me of the strength of our state and its resources.

Paula Kay (D)

District 100

Instagram: @paulaforassembly

Current residence: Rock Hill

Hometown: Wilton, Connecticut

How did you get started in politics?

Government and politics have always been a part of my life. I studied American government in college and my first job post law school was working for the New York City Council in the legal division as counsel to housing and buildings, general welfare, and the speaker’s Special Commission on Homelessness.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

I have several: provide incentives to build housing for our seniors and working families, improve access to quality health care, give judges back discretion during arraignments in order to make our communities safer, and assist our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers who are working harder with increased regulations.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

Ensuring that all students, no matter their ZIP code, get quality education that sets them up for the future they choose to follow. Access to affordable child care for our working families is a must. It’s nonnegotiable. Making sure that we protect this state’s natural resources. Improving our aging infrastructure. Improving mass transportation in rural areas like my district.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Peter F. Vallone Sr., former speaker of the New York City Council. A wise and compassionate leader. President Jed Bartlet – IYKYK.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

The 100th District of course! We’ve got it all! Lakes and rivers to raft on, slopes to ski on, trails to hike, Bethel Woods Center for Performing Arts, Resorts World Casino, the amazing restaurants and shops on North Street in Middletown, the river towns like Narrowsburg and Callicoon.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Piccolo Cucina e Vino in Middletown. It was formerly known as Something Sweet Cafe (the absolute best egg salad sandwiches). Now it has been transformed into an amazing Italian restaurant.

Gabriella Romero (D)

District 109

X: @gabriellain109

Current residence: Albany

Hometown: Albany

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

Albany’s status as New York state’s capital city brings the responsibility of hosting state-owned properties exempt from property taxation. This inequity strains Albany’s ability to fund critical services. I’m laser-focused on fighting for legislation that increases and stabilizes funding for the city of Albany and ensures future adjustments are tied to inflation and tax growth.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on? 

Reforms to the criminal legal system, youth empowerment, affordable housing, jobs, small-business support.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire? 

I’m always in awe of the work that Barbara Smith has done locally and nationally. Her dedication to intersectionality, justice and community-building resonates deeply with me, and I’m so honored to grow and learn from her as a mentor and friend. As a council member in Albany, she exemplified how advocacy and leadership can drive meaningful change, and her lifelong work as an activist, scholar, and leader in the Black feminist movement has inspired generations.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

There’s a beautiful, scenic overlook in Thacher Park where you can see all of Albany – it’s a hidden gem and a beautiful spot for a picnic.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant in Albany.

Andrea Bailey (R)

District 133

Current residence: Geneseo

Hometown: Avon, New York

How did you get started in politics?

A family friend ran for Livingston County sheriff in 2013, and I participated in his campaign. In 2016, I was appointed deputy county clerk.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

To represent and be an active voice for the constituents of the 133rd District.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on? 

Expanding broadband access: Focus on improving internet connectivity in rural areas. Second Amendment rights: Safeguard the rights of citizens to obtain permits and protect their Second Amendment rights. Small-business support: Combat overregulation to protect small businesses, the backbone of our communities. Criminal justice reform: Oppose policies that prioritize criminals over citizens, including issues related to discovery and bail reform. Agricultural protection: Shield farmers from overregulation and harmful legislation that have led to farm closures in New York.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Richard C. Wesley.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Adirondack Mountain region.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Livingston Lanes & Pub in Geneseo.

Paul Bologna (R)

District 144

Current residence: Clarence

Hometown: Clarence

How did you get started in politics?

I was an intern in the office of Assemblyman Jim Hayes during college.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

My top priority is to mitigate the impact of statewide policy initiatives that are conceived in downstate and New York City on Western New York. The needs, both economic and social, differ vastly between the two regions and more consideration should be given to regionalized initiatives.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

Other areas I am eager to work on are combating inflation by bringing wage compression to the forefront of conversation, ensuring rural farmers, volunteer fire companies and community organizations have a seat at the table, expanding access to affordable child care and mitigating the economic and security impact of the migrant crisis on New York state.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin. In a conference largely comprised of men, Jane’s mastery of issues, particularly economic policy, and how initiatives would impact businesses and employees, in the short and long term, her willingness to learn and her constant composure set her apart and earned her respect from both sides of the aisle.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Lewiston.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

Davison Road Inn in Lockport.

Joe Sempolinski (R)

District 148

X: @JoeSempo

Facebook: @Sempolinski

Current residence: Canisteo

Hometown: Painted Post

How did you get started in politics?

My first job in politics was as a U.S. House intern when I was in college. I learned a lot being the guy answering the phone and sitting at the reception desk. I later served as a congressional district director, Assembly chief of staff and briefly in 2022 as a U.S. congressman. I still am the Republican Party chairman for Steuben County.

What’s your top priority during your tenure in Albany?

The biggest issue facing the 148th Assembly District is economic development. We are a rural area adjacent to Pennsylvania, so when policies passed in Albany make New York state less competitive with other states we feel it. I will work to improve job opportunities for the people of this district.

What other policy areas are you eager to work on?

The people of the Southern Tier are also concerned about law and order issues. It seems that increasingly the state Legislature is more concerned with the rights of lawbreakers than protecting law-abiding citizens. Not much else matters if people don’t feel safe.

Also, I am the proud father of a daughter with Down syndrome. Issues impacting those with disabilities are near to my heart.

Who is a New York political figure, past or present, you admire?

New York’s own founding father Alexander Hamilton came from nothing to be one of the most influential members of the revolutionary generation. That commands respect.

What’s your favorite place or region of New York to visit?

Obviously the Southern Tier! I’m proud to be a voice for rural New York. Especially during the summer, there is no more beautiful place on Earth.

What’s an underrated restaurant in your district?

If you are in Wellsville in Allegany County, go to Texas Hot. Order several of the famous Texas Hots and a milkshake and you will not be disappointed.

Did not respond: State Sen. Siela Bynoe and Assembly Members Kalman Yeger, Patrick Chludzinski and Andrew Molitor