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 Eli Northrup who is running to represent New York’s 69th Assembly District. The 69th Assembly District is located in Manhattan and includes Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and portions of the Upper West Side.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
- Defend New York against Trump and ICE, through measures like New York for All and a statewide right to counsel.
- Make NYC more affordable by implementing universal childcare and healthcare, and building more affordable housing.
- Fight for the West Side’s quality of life by filling vacant storefronts, taking down scaffolding and reducing noise pollution.
Why did you decide to run for office?
We need representatives prepared and equipped to fight. I’ve spent years as a public defender honing the skills to be an effective fighter – but what I’ve seen in Albany has frustrated me. We need more leaders who have spent time on the ground helping people and seeing how policy impacts them. My experience as an advocate has taught me how to build consensus without compromising my values. It will help me serve the community I love.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
New York must be a bulwark of progressive values against the Trump administration. I’ve stood up to abuses of power, represented clients facing deportation, confronted ICE at 26 Federal Plaza, and defended individuals’ constitutional rights. I’ll champion legislation like New York for All to cement New York’s status as a sanctuary state, and I will fight for the universal right to counsel in immigration proceedings, knowing its profound impact on case outcomes.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
As policy director for the criminal defense practice at The Bronx Defenders, I led coalitions to transform our criminal legal system – drafting legislation and building the relationships that make change possible. We passed measures to strengthen due process and transparency in our criminal legal system, and repair harm inflicted by inequitable policing. I’ve learned how to be a successful advocate at the state level, and I have the credibility to deliver as a legislator.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
My experience in Albany, energy, and readiness for the fights ahead. I’ll act with integrity, support progressive causes and organized labor, and refuse donations from corporations, lobbyists, or real estate. I have a record of turning bold ideas into real change, passing transformational legislation, and building credibility as an effective advocate and honest broker. I know how Albany functions, and I’ll be a powerful fighter from day one.
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!
