The Queens election is heating up as challengers pressure incumbents on crime, the migrant crisis and economic policy – QNS

As Election Day approaches, interest is gathering in several key state and congressional races in Queens, with incumbents facing challenges amid contentious debates over public safety, immigration, education and economic development. In a county where most precincts lean Democratic, Republican candidates are launching campaigns that highlight different policy priorities and aim to win over voters concerned about rising crime and affordability.

Close rematch in Assembly District 23: Pheffer Amato vs. Sullivan

In Assembly District 23, which covers the Rockaways, Howard Beach, Lindenwood and Ozone Park, Democratic Rep. Stacey Pheffer Amato will once again face Republican Thomas Sullivan in a highly anticipated rematch. Her last race of 2022 was decided by just 15 votes, and this year's contest promises to be close again.

Pheffer Amato, who has represented the district since 2017, has positioned herself as an ally of law enforcement and recently spoke out against a refugee shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, just outside her district. Sullivan, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran, has focused his campaign on addressing the refugee crisis and repealing bail reform, appealing to voters concerned about crime and public safety.

Assembly District 40: Kim vs. Wang

In Assembly District 40, which includes parts of Flushing and Murray Hill, Democratic Rep. Ron Kim is running for re-election against Republican Philip SC Wang, a chiropractor. Kim advocates for small businesses and senior services in the District, while Wang's platform focuses on reducing crime and addressing concerns about recent state mandates. He appeals to voters who feel excluded from current politics and are pushing for a “tough approach to crime.”

Assembly District 30: Raga defends his seat against Castro

Rep. Steven Raga, who represents Assembly District 30 in Woodside, Elmhurst and parts of Jackson Heights, is seeking his first reelection against Republican challenger Brandon Castro, a community activist. Raga, the first Filipino-American in the New York State Legislature, has focused on immigrant rights, affordable housing and combating hate crimes against Asian Americans. However, Castro runs a platform that prioritizes public safety and small businesses and appeals to conservative-leaning residents who oppose recent criminal justice reforms.

Assembly District 25: Rozic vs. Paek

Assemblymember Nily Rozic, who represents District 25 — including Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Fresh Meadows, Bayside, Oakland Gardens and Auburndale — is in a potentially tight race. Rozic, a Democrat, is running against Republican Kenneth Paek, a retired NYPD officer who is endorsed by the Queens GOP and is running for office for the first time. Rozic won her 2022 race by about 15%, but Paek's background in law enforcement and his focus on crime and public safety have appealed to more conservative voters in the district.

Congressional District 7: Velázquez faces Kregel

Veteran Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez is seeking re-election in New York's 7th Congressional District, which includes parts of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, including Ridgewood and Bushwick. Velázquez, a progressive with a focus on immigrant rights and small business support, has held her seat since 1993. Her opponent, Bill Kregel, a former firefighter and police officer, has focused on public safety and social security, among other issues.

Kregel is appealing to residents who are concerned about crime and feel alienated from federal spending priorities. Despite his efforts, Velázquez remains popular in her district, where her advocacy for affordable housing and economic development enjoys strong support among her base.

Senate District 11: Stavisky faces a challenge from Chu

In Senate District 11, Democratic Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, who has held her seat since 1999, is defending against Republican Yiatin Chu, an activist known for her stance on education issues. The district, which includes Astoria, College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace, is typically Democratic, but Chu's campaign has resonated with residents critical of education policies and urban changes they say are inconsistent with local needs.

Chu has stressed the need for “fresh ideas” and claimed that Stavisky is “out of touch” with her district. Stavisky, chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, has highlighted her role in increasing state funding for the Tuition Assistance Program and preventing tuition increases at CUNY and SUNY schools. Local issues such as establishing a shelter for migrants at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center were also a focus of the race, drawing strong community response.

Senate District 15: Addabbo vs. Maio

Democratic Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., who represents neighborhoods like Howard Beach, Woodhaven and Middle Village, faces conservative Daniel Maio in Senate District 15. Addabbo, an incumbent known for his focus on veterans' issues and responsible development, faces a rematch with Maio. who ran against him in 2022 and defeated him with 57% of the vote.

While these races vary in their competitiveness, they show that a district is grappling with important policy issues about crime, education, housing and tax policy. While many Democratic incumbents are expected to retain their seats, Republican candidates are finding support among voters who care about public safety and economic stability. As these campaigns unfold, voter turnout is critical to the representation and legislative impact of Queens.