Full Breakdown
Diana Moreno Wins Special Election for Assembly District 36
2/4/2026, 12:30:57 PM
Special Election Overview
On February 3, 2026, a special election was held in New York City to fill vacant seats in the State Assembly and State Senate, including Assembly District 36, which became available after Mayor Zohran Mamdani's election. The Associated Press projected that Diana Moreno, a 38-year-old Democratic Socialist and community organizer, won the race decisively, securing 74% of the vote against fellow Democratic Socialists Rana Abdelhamid and Mary Jobaida.
Candidates and Their Platforms
Diana Moreno, endorsed by Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), campaigned on a platform that includes enacting universal childcare, strengthening tenant protections, and passing the New York For All Act, which aims to prohibit cooperation between state and local officers and ICE agents. Rana Abdelhamid, representing the Queens For All Party, focused on similar issues but also advocated for the Not On Our Dime Act and the REPAIR Act. She was endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Mary Jobaida, from the People First Party, proposed policies such as decriminalizing poverty and supporting high-quality universal healthcare, receiving endorsements from New York State Senator John Liu and the Alliance of South Asian American Labor.
Political Context and Implications
Moreno's victory comes amid a political backdrop involving tensions between Mamdani and Velázquez, who expressed frustration over Mamdani's endorsement choices. This election reflects ongoing dynamics within the DSA and the broader left-wing political landscape in New York City. The election results may influence future legislative priorities, particularly in areas such as housing and immigration policy.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the election, Diana Moreno expressed gratitude for the support she received, emphasizing her commitment to the community and her policy goals. Meanwhile, Mamdani's endorsement of Moreno was seen as a strategic move to maintain influence within the Assembly and align with progressive policies.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Moreno's victory, some dissenting voices highlighted concerns regarding the concentration of power within the DSA and the implications of having multiple members from the same political faction in key positions. Critics argue that this could lead to a lack of diverse perspectives in legislative discussions.
What's Next
The political landscape in New York City is expected to evolve further, with upcoming special elections, including one to fill Erik Bottcher's seat in State Senate District 47, where his Chief of Staff, Carl Wilson, is considered a frontrunner. The outcomes of these elections will likely shape the future direction of local governance and policy-making.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Honeymoons are short, and people need to pay attention to the work at hand,” — Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez
