Open New York, a statewide grassroots pro-housing advocacy organization, endorsed State Senator Julia Salazar and State Senator Andrew Gounardes for re-election in the 2026 legislative elections based on their pro-housing voting records.
The endorsements, announced May 5, are part of a 20-candidate slate that includes four challengers in competitive races and 16 incumbent legislators across New York State. Salazar represents Senate District 18, covering Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Cypress Hills in Brooklyn. Gounardes represents Senate District 26, covering Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, Gowanus, Fort Greene, and Red Hook.
“This slate reflects the growing statewide consensus that New York needs more homes and stronger tenant protections in every community, from Manhattan to the Hudson Valley to the North Country,” Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York, said in a statement. “We’re proud to back four pro-housing candidates in some of the most competitive races in the state, alongside sixteen incumbents who have been steadfast partners in the fight.”
Open New York’s endorsement process involves questionnaires, interviews, and examination of voting records conducted by volunteer members, staff, and board members. According to the organization, endorsed candidates will receive support from its grassroots volunteer network through canvassing, phone banking, and Get Out The Vote efforts.
“Open New York has been a leader in addressing our state’s worsening housing crisis by advocating for a full complement of solutions, including social housing and subsidized housing, in addition to market-rate housing,” Salazar said in a statement. “As a state senator, I’ve been proud to stand alongside Open New York in fighting for a state in which everyone can afford quality housing—and I’m so honored to receive their endorsement.”
Gounardes said: “For New Yorkers to lead dignified lives, they need dignified, affordable places to live. But for far too many of our neighbors, that’s simply out of reach. That’s why I’ve worked tirelessly to pass laws that create more homes for New Yorkers, and why I’m so proud to fight alongside Open New York for a state where everyone can afford to put down roots and pursue their dreams.”
The four challengers endorsed by Open New York are running in Manhattan and upstate districts. Ryder Kessler, a co-founder of Abundance NY and longtime Open New York member, is running for the open 66th Assembly District seat in Greenwich Village, Tribeca, SoHo/NoHo, and the Meatpacking District. Evan Menist, a Poughkeepsie Council Member, is challenging Republican State Senator Rob Rolison in the 39th Senate District covering Poughkeepsie and parts of Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam Counties. Chloe Pierce is challenging Republican Assemblymember Scott Bendett in the 107th Assembly District covering Rensselaer, Columbia, Washington, and Albany Counties. Eli Northrup is running for the open 69th Assembly District seat covering the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights.
Other endorsed Brooklyn incumbents include State Senator Zellnor Myrie (SD 20, covering Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts Gardens), State Senator Erik Bottcher (SD 47, covering the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan), and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham (AD 43, covering Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush).
Open New York describes itself as a grassroots nonprofit advocating for a diverse range of housing solutions, from social and government-subsidized housing to market-rate options. The organization’s stated vision is “a city and state where housing laws and policies foster inclusivity and stability, moving away from exclusive neighborhoods and unaffordable living.”
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Featured image: New York Senate Photo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
