Larry He

Larry He is the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate District 17 and is running for public office for the first time.[1][3] He holds a Ph.D. in ecological economics, worked as a senior analyst at electric-grid operators and is chief of staff to Assemblyman William Colton.[2][3][4] His Ballotpedia survey lists safer and cleaner neighborhoods, affordable living and lower taxes, and faster, more accessible transit as his key messages.[1]

He describes himself as a first-generation immigrant and a Democratic district leader.[1][3] He earned a Ph.D. in Ecological Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also served as a student senator.[2][4] He then worked as a senior analyst for the New York Independent System Operator and the California Independent System Operator, which oversee those states' electric power systems and electricity markets.[2][4]

He first worked for Assemblyman William Colton as an intern in 2006, and in January 2024 Colton appointed him co-chief of staff; his campaign now describes him as chief of staff.[2][3] In that role, according to his campaign website, he brings food pantries, neighborhood cleanups, senior services, legal assistance, immigration support, and small-business and nonprofit aid into the district.[3] Community roles listed by Colton's office include the National Governing Board of the Asian and Pacific Islanders American Public Affairs Association, board member of United Chinese Americans, board chair and president of the Chinese Community Center of the Capital Region of New York, and executive director of the Global Asian Carp Coalition.[2] He is endorsed by Colton and New York City Councilmember Susan Zhuang.[1][3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.