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Trump-Pardoned Republican Grillo Challenges Incumbent for Assembly Seat

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Phillip S. Grillo, a Queens Republican convicted for entering the U.S. Capitol on January 6, is running for New York State Assembly in the 26th Assembly district.
He filed paperwork to challenge Democratic incumbent Ed Braunstein.
Grillo, 51, was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump after his conviction for felony obstruction and related misdemeanors, with support from Queens GOP Chairman Tony Nunziato.
Having previously run unsuccessfully for office in 2024, Grillo also faces a Republican primary from Robert Speranza, a retired NYPD officer.

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Story summary

Phillip S. Grillo, a Queens Republican convicted for entering the U.S. Capitol on January 6, is running for New York State Assembly in the 26th Assembly district.
He filed paperwork to challenge Democratic incumbent Ed Braunstein.
Grillo, 51, was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump after his conviction for felony obstruction and related misdemeanors, with support from Queens GOP Chairman Tony Nunziato.
Having previously run unsuccessfully for office in 2024, Grillo also faces a Republican primary from Robert Speranza, a retired NYPD officer.