New York State Senate District 26

Current seat holder: Andrew Gounardes.

Andrew Gounardes

Senator Gounardes’ passion for public service began as an aide to former City Councilmember Vincent Gentile. He later served as Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams for five years and a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, one of the largest municipal pension funds in the country. Guided by the principles of philoxenia, a Greek word meaning "love of strangers," he was active in the community long before being elected to office.

· Official legislative page · NY State Senate Official Biography

Campaign site

“Frontier AI models pose major risks to our communities and our economy. This is a literal life-or-death issue.” (Official legislative newsroom (nysenate.gov))
“Since taking office, I've written more than 100 laws and helped secure billions of dollars for schools, housing, transit and protecting our climate. Together, we can keep working for a New York that is fairer, safer, and more affordable - a New York that gives everyone an opportunity to thrive.” (Campaign website (andrewgounardes.com))

Tom Stanten

Tom Stanten served in the U.S. Navy from 2000 to 2003. Stanten's career experience includes working as a business owner. Tom Stanten (Republican Party, Conservative Party) is running for election to the New York State Senate to represent District 26.

Campaign site

“PROTECT GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAMS Every child deserves the chance to reach their potential.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“FIX THE R TRAIN Brooklyn deserves transit that works.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“Veterans Affairs, Infrastructure and Public safety” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))