Campaign Insiders is PoliticsNY’s latest Q&A series featuring candidates running for office in the 2026 New York primary election. This edition of Campaign Insiders features Brian Romero who is running to represent New York’s 34th Assembly District. The 34th Assembly District is located in Queens and includes the neighborhoods of Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
- Affordability
- Protecting Immigrant and LGBTQ communities
- Making the rich pay their fair share
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m running for the State Assembly more than anything to protect my neighbors, including immigrant and LGBTQ New Yorkers, from the harms of this fascist federal government. I am also running to make our state more affordable for everyday working people like the family that I grew up in. It is also time that we elect legislators who will advocate to make the rich pay their fair share to mitigate the cuts from Washington.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Affordability. New Yorkers are struggling more and more each day to keep up with costs and make ends meet. When I am elected to the Assembly, I will advocate for a $30 minimum wage (indexed to inflation), permanently universal child care, and social and affordable housing. The way we will pay for it is by taxing the rich and corporations more.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I have over five years of legislative experience in the Assembly and State Senate combined. I know how to deliver for working people. I have worked during seven legislative sessions, advocated for and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in initiatives like universal school meals, and more. I have built broad coalitions and worked on several issues that still impact our neighbors today. I’ll be ready on day one to work for our neighbors.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I am the only candidate in the race with actual state legislative experience and in both chambers of the legislature, including years working in the incumbent Assembly Member’s office as chief of staff. I have received endorsements from most of the overlapping elected officials, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez because I know how to collaborate with offices to deliver meaningful change and resources for our community. I’ve raised the most amount of money.
From now until early voting, Campaign Insiders will be featuring candidates from select democratic primary races across the City & State. Be sure to check back to hear from a wide range of candidates from assembly, senate, and congressional races as well as the NYS comptroller race!
Early voting in NYC is June 13th-21st and Election Day is June 23rd. Check out the PoliticsNY Election Primer to see who will be on your ballot and don’t forget to vote this June!
