Asm. Edward Braunstein
Edward Braunstein has represented AD-26, a D+32 district in Queens, since first being elected in 2011, and carries a Safe D rating across all modeled 2026 scenarios with a base lean of D+29. After facing competitive general elections in 2020 (margin of 9.8 points) and 2022 (margin of 9.0 points against the same opponent, Robert J. Speranza), Braunstein rebounded sharply in 2024 to win by 36.0 points. The district is demographically distinct, with a near-plurality Asian population of 39.8%, a 40.9% white population, a median household income of $107,053, a homeownership rate of 68.7%, and a voter registration breakdown of 50.3% Democrat, 27.9% Independent, and 18.8% Republican. In the 2025 session, Braunstein sponsored 39 bills, with the heaviest concentration in Public Service (6 bills), Public Health (5 bills), and equal clusters of 3 bills each across Penal, Public Authorities, Real Property, and Real Property Tax law.AI
Topic Focus AI
Topics extracted by AI from joint Senate-Assembly committee hearing transcripts and floor debate. Tag size reflects number of supporting citations.
Key Issues AI
Key issue areas derived from floor debate speeches and sponsored bill law sections.
Legislative Activity (2025–2026)
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Hearing appearances from joint Senate-Assembly committee transcripts. Floor debate from official Assembly session transcripts (Granicus, 2023–present).
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
Grouped by law section from sponsored Assembly bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation API.
Floor Speeches: In Support (28) AI
Sponsor Braunstein explained the bill prohibits retainage on payments to material suppliers for delivered and accepted materials covered under warranty or graded materials. Currently, retainage is 5 percent for most projects and up to 10 percent for some public projects. Mr. Gandolfo questioned the bill's protections if defects are discovered during installation after payment is made. Braunstein responded that warranty coverage provides protection, similar to consumer purchases. Gandolfo confirmed that retainage would remain for non-warranted materials.
Floor Speeches: In Opposition (8) AI
Expressed concerns about defining 'nominal value' and the burden on poll workers to make those determinations. Preferred maintaining the current statute and allowing courts to strike it down rather than opening the practice to broader interpretation.
Opposed the RUSH program funding due to its allocation for the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center redevelopment project. Stated the Governor's office refused to negotiate on reducing the density of the proposed 2,800-unit development on 55 acres (double the density of surrounding community) despite community opposition and requests from local elected officials.
Opposed the RUSH program funding for Creedmoor Psychiatric Center redevelopment, citing community opposition to 2,800 units on 55 acres (double the density of surrounding area). Stated Governor's office refused to negotiate with community despite requests from local elected officials.
Opposed the RUSH program funding due to Creedmoor Psychiatric Center redevelopment proposal; stated Governor refused to negotiate on project density despite community opposition; noted surrounding community, State Senator, local councilwoman, and community board all oppose the project; announced intention to vote against the bill.
Opposed RUSH program funding due to Creedmoor Psychiatric Center redevelopment proposal; stated community overwhelmingly opposes 2,800-unit project at double surrounding density; noted Governor refused to negotiate despite community opposition and legislative requests; announced intention to vote against bill.
Electoral History AD-26
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Edward C. Braunstein 68.0% (27,022) | Robert J. Speranza 32.0% (12,738) | 36.0pts |
| 2022 | Edward C. Braunstein 54.5% (18,590) | Robert J. Speranza 45.5% (15,551) | ⚡ 9.0pts |
| 2020 | Edward C. Braunstein 54.9% (28,683) | John-Alexander M. Sakelos 45.1% (23,603) | ⚡ 9.8pts |
| 2018 | Edward C. Braunstein 65.3% (21,860) | David L. Bressler 34.7% (11,631) | 30.6pts |
| 2016 | Edward C. Braunstein 100.0% (33,255) | Uncontested | — |
| 2014 | Edward C. Braunstein 100.0% (14,852) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Edward C. Braunstein 100.0% (27,919) | Uncontested | — |
| 2010 | Edward C. Braunstein 58.0% (15,264) | Vincent J. Tabone 42.0% (11,043) | 16.0pts |
| 2008 | Ann Margaret Е. Carrozza 67.2% (25,124) | Robert J. Speranza 32.8% (12,258) | 34.4pts |
| 2006 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 100.0% (18,503) | Uncontested | — |
| 2004 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 64.3% (26,197) | Peter T. Boudouvas 35.7% (14,572) | 28.6pts |
| 2002 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 67.4% (17,552) | John D. Ottulich 32.6% (8,493) | 34.8pts |
| 2000 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 100.0% (25,486) | Uncontested | — |
| 1998 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 61.6% (18,329) | Douglas Prescott 38.4% (11,428) | 23.2pts |
| 1996 | Ann Margaret E. Carrozza 53.5% (20,612) | Douglas Prescott 46.5% (17,937) | ⚡ 7.0pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Vulnerability Index AD-26
Base lean: D+29
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+29). Base lean blends voter registration (40%) with recent contested general election margins (60%), using up to the last 4 general elections with margins under 40 points. Ratings: Safe D/R = 15+ pts, Likely = 8–14 pts, Lean = 3–7 pts, Toss-up = within 2 pts (Assembly districts are smaller and more homogeneous than Senate districts, so tighter thresholds are used). Generic ballot from Silver Bulletin (Nate Silver), as of 5/20/2026. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.
District 26 Profile
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Voter Registration
Demographics
Commute Mode
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024). Race and ethnicity figures may not sum to 100% — Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity category that overlaps with racial groups.
Lobbying Activity 2024
Top Lobbying Issues
Top Organizations Lobbying This Member
Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov. Counts reflect bi-monthly disclosure records — not individual meetings.