David Orkin
DWFP
David Orkin is an immigrant workers'-rights attorney and union organizer who defeated incumbent Jenifer Rajkumar in the June 2026 Democratic primary for the open Assembly District 38 seat.[1][2]
Positions on the issues
- OpposesExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Opposes state/local cooperation with ICE and supports implementing the New York for All Act.[2]
“In Albany, I'll fight to implement New York for All, ending collaboration between ICE & local law enforcement and protecting personal data from federal surveillance.”
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Supports raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and largest corporations to fund public services.[2]
“As the richest New Yorkers and biggest corporations make more than ever, I'll fight for a state budget that asks them to pay their fair share in taxes.”
- SupportsRaise the minimum wage
Supports a $30 per hour New York State minimum wage.[2]
“I'll support a $30 minimum wage in New York so the workers who keep our city running can afford to live here.”
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Lists guaranteed healthcare among the services he says should be funded by taxing the wealthy and corporations.[2]
“I'll fight for a state budget that asks them to pay their fair share in taxes to fund the services working people deserve: deeply affordable housing, universal childcare, guaranteed healthcare, fully funded public schools and free CUNY, world-class public transit, and more.”
- SupportsUniversal, publicly funded child care
Lists universal childcare among the services he says should be funded by taxing the wealthy and corporations.[2]
“fund the services working people deserve: deeply affordable housing, universal childcare, guaranteed healthcare, fully funded public schools and free CUNY, world-class public transit, and more”
In their words — priorities
- "TAX THE RICH FOR AFFORDABILITY... As the richest New Yorkers and biggest corporations make more than ever, I'll fight for a state budget that asks them to pay their fair share in taxes to fund the services working people deserve: deeply affordable housing, universal childcare, guaranteed healthcare, fully funded public schools and free CUNY, world-class public transit, and more."[2]
- "PROTECT OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS. More than half of AD-38 residents are immigrants... In Albany, I'll fight to implement New York for All, ending collaboration between ICE & local law enforcement and protecting personal data from federal surveillance."[2]
- "STRENGTHEN WORKERS' RIGHTS... I'll champion the EmPIRE Worker Protection Act, which strengthens protections against wage theft, retaliation, unsafe workplaces, and union-busting. And I'll support a $30 minimum wage in New York."[2]
Background
- Orkin holds a bachelor's degree from Vassar College (2013) and a law degree from CUNY School of Law (2022).[3]
- He has worked as an immigrant workers'-rights attorney at Make the Road NY, representing clients facing wage theft and employer abuse.[2]
- He is an elected member of the bargaining committee of his union, UAW Local 2320, where he helped negotiate a first contract that included raises of more than $10,000 for the lowest-paid staff, a free healthcare option, and a 35-hour workweek.[2]
- His mother immigrated from Tijuana, Mexico; he has organized against militarization of the Arizona-Mexico border and helped found the Tucson chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.[2]