Michael DeCillis
Won the June 23 Democratic primary
Michael DeCillis is a fourth-generation Staten Islander who has worked as an EMS paramedic, a September 11 first responder, an NYPD police officer for a decade, a civil litigation attorney, and a special education teacher. He also served as Chief of Staff and Director of Legislation for a member of the New York State Assembly. He defeated Allison Ziogas in the June 23 Democratic primary.[1][12]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Supports moving to a single-payer healthcare system that eliminates co-pays and deductibles, and opposes Republican-enacted cuts to ACA subsidies, Medicaid and Medicare.[13]
- OpposesExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Says immigration enforcement is necessary for people who have committed crimes but that ICE is operating unconstitutionally and should be abolished as currently structured, citing warrantless searches and arrests.[13]
- SupportsStricter gun laws
Supports universal background checks, gun licensing, and an assault weapons ban; holds the 2026 Moms Demand Action candidate distinction.[13]
- SupportsProtect legal access to abortion
Supports codifying Roe v. Wade and says decisions about reproductive care belong to women, not government.[13]
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Wants to reduce the tax burden on working-class families while requiring billionaires and large corporations to pay a higher share.[13]
- SupportsFaster transition away from fossil fuels
Supports federal climate action, including penalties for water and air pollution and infrastructure investment to protect shorelines from storms and flooding.[13]
In their words — priorities
- Says Congress needs stronger checks on executive power, comparing the need to post-Watergate congressional reforms, so that policy is not set by executive action alone.[13]
- Wants to reduce the tax burden on working people and require higher earners to "pay their fair share" to address rising costs for groceries, gas, healthcare, and housing.[13]
- As a former teacher, says he will oppose efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and push for more investment in public education.[13]
- Does not accept money from corporate PACs or PACs that lobby on behalf of a single foreign nation.[13]
Background
- Worked as a volunteer EMT in college and later as a SWAT paramedic and field training officer in Michigan, where he helped create the state's first K-9 unit pre-hospital emergency care program.[12]
- Served as a first responder at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, treating injured firefighters.[12]
- Served a decade as a New York City police officer while earning a Juris Doctorate from New York Law School; later worked as a civil litigation attorney.[12]
- Served as Chief of Staff and Director of Legislation in the New York State Assembly, working on transparency measures and conditions for NYCHA residents.[12]
- Earned a Master's in Education from Hunter College through an AmeriCorps Teaching Fellowship and worked as a special education teacher in New York City District 75 schools, teaching students on the autism spectrum.[12]
Campaign money
Raised $68K · spent $32K · $35K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗