Illapa Sairitupac
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 36.5% of the vote.
Illapa Sairitupac is a Lower Manhattan tenant organizer and social worker running as the Democratic nominee for this open seat, focused on housing affordability, taxing high earners, and opposing ICE enforcement in New York.[2]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Supports a more progressive state income tax and a new state heirs tax on large inheritances.[2]
“I will fight for a fairer, more progressive income tax system and to implement a state heirs tax so that the very rich are contributing their fair share towards making New York affordable and equitable.”
- SupportsStronger rent regulation and tenant protections
Supports rent-stabilization protections and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, and has organized tenant associations against displacement.[2]
- OpposesExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Opposes cooperation between state/local government and ICE and supports the New York for All Act; has led Know Your Rights trainings and anti-ICE organizing.[2]
“I'll fight to pass legislation like the New York for All Act, which bars state and local governments from colluding with ICE.”
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Supports universal healthcare and has advocated for the New York Health Act, which would guarantee coverage regardless of income or immigration status.[2]
“In Albany I'll continue to fight for the New York Health act, which would guarantee healthcare to all New Yorkers, regardless of income, immigration status or ability to pay.”
- SupportsUniversal, publicly funded child care
Lists universal childcare among the causes he organizes for and would pursue in office.[2]
- SupportsFaster transition away from fossil fuels
Supports a faster transition to renewable energy, citing New York's low share of wind and solar power and his own organizing and arrest in support of the Build Public Renewables Act.[2]
In their words — priorities
- Taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers more, including a fairer progressive income tax and a state heirs tax, to fund housing, healthcare and childcare.[2]
- Housing as a human right: a state Social Housing Development Authority, rent-stabilization protections, and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act.[2]
- Getting ICE 'out of New York,' including passing the New York for All Act to bar state and local government cooperation with ICE.[2]
Background
- Son of Peruvian immigrants; has lived in the Lower East Side for almost 14 years.[2]
- Holds a Master of Social Work from NYU and previously worked as a mental healthcare worker.[2]
- Works as a tenant organizer and is an organizer with This Land is Ours Community Land Trust, which advocates for community land trusts in Lower Manhattan.[2]
- Was arrested in 2021 while protesting in support of the Build Public Renewables Act.[2]