Democrat Mike DeCillis is challenging Rep. Nicole Malliotakis in New York’s 11th Congressional District. The district includes all of Staten Island and part of southern Brooklyn.
According to a report by NY1, DeCillis discussed his campaign on “Inside City Hall” with political anchor Errol Louis on September 28.
DeCillis Brings Public Service Experience to the Race
DeCillis has more than three decades of public service experience. He previously worked as an NYPD officer and a special education teacher before entering the congressional race.
The 11th District is currently the only congressional district in the five boroughs held by a Republican. Malliotakis has represented the district in the U.S. House since 2021 and is seeking another term.
DeCillis is the Democratic nominee challenging Malliotakis in the 2026 election. The district includes two distinct parts of New York City: Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.
NY-11 Presents a Distinct Campaign Environment
Candidates in the district must communicate with voters across Staten Island and southern Brooklyn. Local issues and community-specific outreach can therefore play an important role in a congressional campaign.
DeCillis has also drawn attention to his public service background. For candidates, professional experience can become part of campaign messaging when it helps voters understand their background and connection to the community.
What NYC Candidates Can Learn From DeCillis’ Campaign
The NY-11 race shows how candidates can build campaign messaging around their professional and community experience. Previous roles can give voters clear information about a candidate’s background.
For first-time and local candidates, this approach can help create a clear campaign story. Instead of listing every previous position, candidates can focus on the experiences most relevant to the office they seek.
Candidates running for City Council or other NYC offices can use the same approach in campaign biographies, websites, debates and voter outreach. Clear background information can help voters understand who is running and why the candidate is seeking office.
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Mike DeCillis is the Democratic nominee challenging Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis in New York’s 11th Congressional District.
The district includes all of Staten Island and part of southern Brooklyn.
