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 Pesach Osina 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?
The challenges in our corner of Queens are real – rising costs, long commutes, and real concerns about safety. Families are doing everything right and still feeling squeezed, while too often our communities are overlooked. I am focused on practical solutions that lower costs, improve safety, fix the commute, and deliver real results.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m raising my family here and see rising costs, long commutes, and a lack of attention to our part of Queens. As a father of six, I know how hard it is to stretch a paycheck. I’ve spent my career helping residents cut red tape and get results. I’m running for the New York State Assembly in District 23 to lower costs, improve safety and transportation, and continue the fight in Albany.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
My affordability plan targets rising costs for middle-class families by strengthening oversight of insurance and utility rate hikes, requiring transparency, and fighting fraud that drives up premiums. I will expand childcare tax credits, increase support for providers, and encourage employer childcare assistance to ease costs for working parents. I also support expanding the Empire State Child Tax Credit, raising income eligibility, and cutting hidden fees, so hardworking families can better afford life in New York.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I am running for the New York State Assembly in District 23 to represent communities including the Rockaways, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, and Ozone Park after the seat became open. I have been active in local civic and community work and previously served as a community liaison to the New York City Council Speaker. My campaign centers on delivering for the district and building broad support.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I am running to bring new energy, accessibility, and hands-on community advocacy to Albany. My campaign focuses on public safety, affordability, support for working families, and strong constituent services rooted in local engagement. While my opponent represents a more traditional political path, I position myself as a fresh, grassroots voice who is deeply present in the community and committed to responsive leadership and practical solutions.
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!
