Diana Moreno
DWFPINCUMBENTNY State Assembly Member, District 36 (since February 2026)
Diana Moreno is the incumbent Assembly Member for District 36, elected in a February 2026 special election to succeed Zohran Mamdani after he became mayor, and then elected to a full term in November 2026. She is an immigrant-rights and labor organizer and a member of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America.[2][3]
Floor votes in Albany
- YesProvides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits · S10113 · Passed Assembly 88–53 · 2026-06-05 official record ↗Provides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.
- YesRelates to granting employees access to personnel records · S3460 · Passed Assembly 92–49 · 2026-05-19 official record ↗Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.
Votes on landmark laws since 2019, plus 2026 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side — read from the legislature’s official records.
On the record — official actions
- bill2026-03-23 · Prime sponsor of A10340-A, which would increase tax rates on unincorporated businesses and corporations in New York City upon adoption of a local law by the City Council. Amended and recommitted to the Ways and Means Committee on 03/23/2026; remains pending.[5]
- bill2026-05-08 · Sponsor (introduced by Rules on her behalf) of A11289, the "Not on our dime!" act, which would prohibit not-for-profit corporations from providing unauthorized support to Israeli settlement activity and would create a civil penalty and private right of action for violations. Referred to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee on 05/08/2026; remains pending.[6]
- bill2026-06-05 · Sponsor (introduced by Rules on her behalf) of A11580, which would increase penalties on gas and electric utilities for failing to file or correct required annual reports with the Public Service Commission. Referred to the Energy Committee on 06/05/2026; remains pending.[7]
- action2026-02-03 · Won the February 3, 2026 special election for Assembly District 36 with 74.1% of the vote, succeeding Zohran Mamdani.[1]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsUniversal, publicly funded child care
Campaigns on enacting universal, no-cost childcare for children from six weeks to five years old, funded by taxing high earners.[3]
“Enact Universal Childcare: Work with Mayor Mamdani to tax the rich and fund free childcare for every New Yorker aged six weeks to five years.”
- SupportsStronger rent regulation and tenant protections
Says she will strengthen tenant protections and defend rent stabilization, and supports creating a public Social Housing Development Authority.[3]
“Housing is a Human Right: Strengthen tenant protections, defend rent stabilization, and create a Social Housing Development Authority to build and preserve affordable housing with union labor.”
- OpposesExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Opposes expanded immigration enforcement; supports the New York For All Act to restrict state and local cooperation with ICE.[3]
“Defend Immigrants Without Apology: Stand up for our immigrant neighbors under attack from Trump's cruel and racist deportation machine, and pass the New York For All Act to restrict cooperation with ICE.”
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Supports taxing high earners to fund public childcare and other services.[3]
“Work with Mayor Mamdani to tax the rich and fund free childcare for every New Yorker aged six weeks to five years.”
In their words — priorities
- "I am a Queens mom, immigrant, organizer, and the Assemblymember for Astoria and Long Island City. I ran for office to fight for working families and ensure that everyone, regardless of income or background, has the opportunity to thrive."[2]
- Universal No-Cost Childcare: "I am fighting for universal no-cost childcare because no parent should have to choose between raising their children and making ends meet."[2]
- Protect Immigrants & Abolish ICE: "I support New York For All, ending cooperation between New York State and ICE, and building a future where immigrant families can live safely and thrive without fear."[2]
- Tenant Protections & Affordable Housing: "I am fighting for stronger tenant protections, deeply affordable housing, and an affordability agenda that helps working families stay in the communities they helped build."[2]
Background
- Moreno was born in Ecuador and immigrated to the United States with her family at age 11.[3]
- She holds an associate degree from Santa Fe College and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida.[2]
- Before running for office, she worked as deputy director of the immigrant-advocacy group New Immigrant Community Empowerment and as communications director for the New York State Nurses Association, and organized on behalf of migrant farmworkers, undocumented workers, and unionizing faculty and graduate students.[3][4]
- She was endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Democratic Socialists of America in both her February 2026 special-election campaign and her 2026 re-election campaign.[3]