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 Mike Scala who is running to represent New York’s 23rd Assembly District. The 23rd Assembly District is located in Queens and includes the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, Lindenwood, Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Broad Channel, Breezy Point, Roxbury, Neponsit, Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, Edgemere, Bayswater and Far Rockaway.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
We must lower the cost of living, including by pausing utility rate increases while new incentives are created for renewable energy, and by enacting Tier 6 pension reform for our public employees; make smart infrastructure investments, such as improving public transportation; and establish a trauma center on the Rockaway peninsula.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Everything is too expensive, from rent to insurance. At the same time, we’re lacking in basic services like transit and health care. It’s time for real action to make New York more livable. I’m the only candidate in this race who has Albany experience. I have always been dedicated to public service, and with the current assemblymember announcing she would not seek reelection, I am seeking to take my advocacy to the legislature.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Affordability. We need a moratorium on utility rate increases, as was done in New Jersey, while the state conducts a regulatory review and creates new incentives for renewable energy. We also need better regulation of insurance and to move away from existing models that put profits over people. As we have many public employees in our district, from first responders to teachers, we must reform the pension system so workers can retire with dignity.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
As an attorney, I’ve been in the private sector and know how difficult it is to operate a small business in the state. I also have public sector experience, and as counsel and legislative director in the NYS Senate, I drafted and managed approximately 150 bills, some of which are now state law. I am also a former Democratic nominee for the New York City Council and have worked extensively throughout our neighborhoods.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I’m proposing real solutions to our problems. I am not beholden to the political establishment. I’ve always been an independent thinker and I have a history of taking on – and defeating – powerful interests on behalf of our residents. We don’t need to elect more politicians who will tow the party line, but strong voices who will stand up for our community.
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!
