Queens voters are preparing for one of the busiest election cycles in recent years as multiple congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and judicial races appear on the June 23 primary ballot. According to a report by QNS, early voting begins on June 13, giving voters across the borough the opportunity to choose nominees who could shape the future of NYC politics and New York state government.
With several open seats, incumbent challenges, and high profile congressional contests, the Queens primary elections offer important insights into campaign strategy, voter engagement, and political organizing.
What Happened
Queens voters will participate in a wide range of elections this primary season, including contests for Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, State Comptroller, and Civil Court Judge positions.
Several races have attracted significant attention due to retirements, open seats, and candidates seeking higher office.
The elections come at a time when issues such as affordability, housing, public safety, immigration, and economic development continue to dominate conversations across NYC elections.
Key Congressional Races in Queens
New York’s 3rd Congressional District
Incumbent Thomas Suozzi faces a Democratic primary challenge from Danielle Welch.
On the Republican side, Michael LiPetri Jr. and Greg Hach are competing for their party’s nomination.
New York’s 6th Congressional District
Representative Grace Meng is seeking renomination against challenger Chuck Park.
The district covers large portions of central and northeastern Queens.
New York’s 7th Congressional District
One of the most closely watched races in New York City is the contest to replace retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez.
Candidates include:
- Antonio Reynoso
- Claire Valdez
- Julie Won
- Vichal Kumar
The race has attracted significant attention due to competing endorsements and differing visions for the district’s future.
New York’s 14th Congressional District
Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez faces Democratic challengers Felipe Garcia and Marty Dolan as she seeks another term representing portions of Queens and the Bronx.
Competitive State Senate Races
Senate District 12
With State Senator Michael Gianaris leaving office, Steven Raga and Aber Kawas are competing for an open seat covering portions of western Queens.
Open seat races often attract increased voter interest because there is no incumbent advantage.
Senate District 13
Incumbent Jessica Ramos faces challenges from Jessica González Rojas and Hiram Monserrate.
This race has become one of the most closely followed State Senate contests in New York due to its implications for progressive and establishment Democratic factions.
Senate District 15
State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is running against Albert Baldeo in the Democratic primary.
State Assembly Races to Watch
Queens voters will also decide several important Assembly races.
Notable contests include:
Assembly District 30
Steven Raga’s Senate campaign leaves this Assembly seat open.
Candidates include:
- Somnath Ghimire
- Patrick Martinez
- Shamsul Haque
Assembly District 32
With longtime Assemblymember Vivian Cook retiring, five Democrats are competing to succeed her:
- Mohammed Molla
- Latoya LeGrand
- Tunisia Morrison
- Queen Johnson
- Nathaniel Hezekiah III
Assembly District 36
Incumbent Diana Moreno seeks a full term after winning a special election earlier this year.
She faces challenges from Mary Jobaida and Kevin Coenen.
Assembly District 38
Incumbent Jenifer Rajkumar faces a competitive primary against:
- David Orkin
- Catalina Cruz
- Yonel Lettellier Sosa
The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched Assembly contests in Queens.
Why This Matters for NYC Candidates
The Queens primary elections provide important lessons for anyone interested in running for office in New York City.
Open Seats Create Opportunity
Several races feature retiring officeholders or candidates seeking different offices.
For first time candidates, open seats often provide the strongest opportunity to compete without facing an established incumbent.
Ballot Access Remains Critical
Every candidate on the ballot successfully completed New York’s petitioning and qualification process.
Understanding ballot access requirements remains one of the first and most important challenges for aspiring candidates.
District Strategy Drives Results
Queens contains highly diverse communities with different priorities and voting patterns.
Successful campaigns use voter data, neighborhood outreach, and targeted messaging rather than relying on borough wide communication alone.
Campaign Finance and Organization Matter
Candidates competing in crowded primaries must build fundraising networks, recruit volunteers, and establish strong voter contact operations.
Strong campaign infrastructure often becomes a deciding factor in low turnout primary elections.
What Voters Need to Know
Early voting begins on June 13 and Election Day is June 23.
Queens residents can locate their polling place through official election resources and should verify whether their early voting location differs from their Election Day polling site.
Voters should also review their sample ballot before voting because not every race appears in every district.
What Happens Next
The winners of the June primary elections will advance to the general election later this year.
Several open seats and competitive races could result in significant changes to representation at the federal and state levels, making these contests especially important for the future of Queens and NYC politics.
Conclusion
The Queens primary elections of 2026 highlight the importance of local engagement, district level campaigning, and voter outreach. With congressional seats, State Senate districts, and Assembly positions on the ballot, the election serves as a reminder that successful campaigns begin long before Election Day. For future candidates, these races offer valuable lessons in ballot access, campaign finance, voter targeting, and community based political organizing.
Early voting begins on June 13, 2026, and Primary Election Day is June 23, 2026.
The 7th Congressional District race, Senate Districts 12 and 13, and several open State Assembly seats are among the most competitive contests.
