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 current New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli who is running for reelection. The NYS comptroller is New York’s chief fiscal officer and is responsible for protecting taxpayer funds, providing independent fiscal oversight on State, New York City and local finances, managing the NYS pension fund and more.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
- Making sure the pension fund remains fully funded
- Making New York more affordable for working-class families
- Protecting New York’s budget from Trump’s chaos and corruption
Why did you decide to run for office?
I grew up in a middle-class home, my parents were union members. In my youth, I was so inspired by leaders like the Kennedy brothers to believe we could build a better and fairer society. I wasn’t singularly inspired by one thing, but by a great faith in humanity, in progress, in the idea that government could work for people like me, and not just the fabulously wealthy or those born with connections.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if reelected?
The top issue facing New York is affordability. I will keep growing our State’s pension fund to make sure public employees get to retire with the dignity and comfort they deserve. I will continue using the Comptroller’s powers to make government work efficiently, make sure services provided actually reach their intended targets, and aggressively go after waste and fraud to make sure New Yorkers aren’t paying taxes that don’t benefit them in the long run.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I’ve done this job well for years, I have deep knowledge of the budgeting process and about municipal and State operations. Frankly speaking, I’ve done a very good job as Comptroller; voters across the State have agreed and reelected me multiple times, and I will continue to fight for New Yorkers if voters choose to give me another four-year term.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I have the experience necessary to do this job, and do it quite well. None of the other candidates in this race have ever held elected office in New York. I have a real track record of success: doubling the pension fund, bringing stability to an office mired in scandal, and delivering real wins to so many communities through shareholder activism. You know what you will get from me and you can trust me.
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!
