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 Nathaniel Hezekiah who is running to represent New York’s 32nd Assembly District. The 32nd Assembly District is located in Queens and includes Jamaica, South Jamaica and Rochdale Village.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
Protecting and preserving affordable housing is a top priority, including strengthening oversight of Mitchell-Lamas, fighting deed theft and foreclosure, expanding repair support for seniors and demanding long-overdue repairs and investment for NYCHA residents. Together, we will expand 3K and Pre-K, support trade and workforce pathways, protect the Excelsior Scholarship, ensure reduced class sizes are implemented, defend reproductive freedom, and implement more social services for youth. Reliable transportation, which connects our community to jobs, schools and healthcare, is also a focus.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am running for the 32nd Assembly District to serve as the next New York State assemblymember because when I was young, I witnessed injustice at an early age when my father and stepfather died from gun violence. I knew from that very moment that I was destined to equalize the paradigm for the marginalized and stand up for what is right, even if it isn’t easy. For me, this is personal, not politics.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Affordability is the top issue facing voters. How many at this point can afford to remain in the state?
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I have been with the community for 20+ years: prioritizing safe streets; volunteering with our seniors, youth and families around food insecurity; supporting our small businesses; facilitating a $5 million+ investment to MWBE’s for ongoing work with JFK development; championing projects through the $15 million+ earmarked for affordable housing efforts, including the Greater Allen Housing Development; and developing thousands in scholarship materials for our youth, engaging scores of our public schools annually.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
This isn’t just politics for me, this is real life. I want to change lives for the better.
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!
