Brandon Castro

Brandon Castro was born in New York, New York. He graduated from Queens Technical High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from City University of New York, Queens College in 2023.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for New York State Assembly in District 30, representing Woodside, Maspeth, Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. I am a lifelong Queens resident and son of Ecuadorian immigrants, educated in our public schools and a Queens College (CUNY) graduate. As a former NYC Small Business Services liaison, I have supported and assisted small businesses. I have also worked on grassroots campaigns, learning that we have more in common than what divides us.

I’m running because, for too long, the political machine has ignored everyday New Yorkers. While families sacrifice to get by, Albany rewards itself. Tuition rises as administrative bloat grows, graduates face a hiring crisis, costs climb, and quality of life slips.

I’m building a coalition to demand reform, improve safety and quality of life, and expand opportunity. This campaign is about standing up for working families, supporting small businesses, and creating real pathways to success. As your next assembly member, I am committed to: Grow Skills & Jobs, Build Smart & Safe Infrastructure, Protect & Restore our communities, and bring Budget and Education Reform.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education Reform: Growing Skills & Jobs is not just a slogan or a response to our economy; it starts in our classrooms.

Our communities face a jobs crisis on both ends: unemployment for many, and a hiring crisis for those ready to work. Young people work hard and still find opportunity slipping away. Too many advance without strong reading and writing skills, and too many graduates lack the real-world skills needed for good-paying jobs.

I support reform that invests in trade schools, vocational training, and career pathways that build real skills for real jobs. I also support keeping the SHSAT and expanding merit-based aid that rewards achievement, raises standards, and improves outcomes.Build Smart! Build Safe!: While the state pushes new housing, too many of our communities are being left behind with crumbling infrastructure. Roads, transit, drainage, and basic services are already strained. Without investment in the foundation, we risk overburdening the very neighborhoods we are trying to grow. Flooding, aging transit systems, and outdated stormwater infrastructure are putting families at risk and limiting real, sustainable growth.

I believe in smart growth, but infrastructure and public safety must come first. That means upgrading sewer and stormwater systems, modernizing waste services, and improving reliable public transit. Our communities deserve safe streets, stronger systems, and infrastructure built to last.Protect & Restore Our Communities: Too many people no longer feel safe on our transit or in their own neighborhoods. That’s unacceptable. Working families, small business owners, and frontline workers deserve security. We cannot accept paying more to feel less safe.

I believe safety and quality of life are non-negotiable. That means increasing NYPD manpower, investing in better training, and ensuring officers can protect our communities effectively and responsibly. We need a visible, reliable presence that deters crime and responds quickly. By strengthening accountability, trust, and resources, we can restore safety and dignity.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability to its core: I am campaigning to balance budgets & priorities. Rent, groceries, and everyday costs keep rising, and working families are being squeezed. People tighten their budgets just to get by. While Albany talks a big game, it often rewards itself instead of fixing the problem.

At the same time, taxpayer dollars are drained by administrative bloat across government, public colleges, and nonprofits. We are funding more bureaucracy, higher executive pay, and fewer results.

We need real reform: cut waste, demand accountability, and make every dollar work for the people. That means full transparency, strong oversight, and clear rules. If you take public funds, you answer to the people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Former Council Member, 30th District Democrat Robert Holden, New York Forward Party, and many more coming

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brandon Castro embodies the spirit of unwavering determination and fearless advocacy, defining his journey from a passionate student leader to a beacon of hope for our community. His commitment to truth and resilience in the face of adversity has set him apart as a leader who stands firm in his beliefs and fights tirelessly for what is right. His dedication should inspire us all to stand up for what we believe in.

During his time at Queens College, Brandon Castro demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocating for self-improvement practices, instilling the values of responsibility, and tirelessly working to enhance the quality of life for his fellow students. His dedication to empowering young men and women, preparing them for life's challenges, and boosting their confidence speaks volumes about his vision for a brighter future.

His candidacy represents a refreshing wave of change, challenging the status quo and offering genuine representation to hard-working individuals whom the political establishment has long overlooked.

Brandon Castro's impressive track record, from serving in various leadership roles to fearlessly championing causes that matter most, reflects his unwavering commitment to amplifying voices and standing up for what is right.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ensuring quality of life: With the cost of living going up, our quality of life is going down. The least our elected officials could do is ensure we keep our streets safe and clean. Everything from minimizing prostitution in our communities to cleaning up the mess on our streets is my utmost priority.Prioritizing public safety: Many people don’t feel safe walking outside onto our streets day or night. We must support our law enforcement and provide the necessary funds and resources to tackle staffing shortages and offer better training and improved safety for our communities. I will be a vote to repeal bail reform and provide real consequences for criminals.Affordable cost of living: New York is facing an affordability crisis and the residents of Queens are feeling it. I support lowering taxes, cutting wasteful spending, and only spending into the needs of our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about creating an affordable landscape for our current and next generations to once again dream about raising a family, buying a home, and having kids without worrying about having enough for groceries. Part of our campaign platform is to enhance quality education. I propose working with agencies, schools, and local organizations to organize a program that teaches our current and next generations about investing into safe long-term investments, index funds, and financial responsibility. Imagine graduating with proper knowledge on finances and with $5-10,000 in your bank account.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that elected officials have the responsibility to ensure quality of life and support the needs of their constituents, especially American citizens. Most people want safer and cleaner streets and affordability so they can supper themselves and their families. Many families work so hard and feel ripped off, not getting enough support while migrants are coming into our communities in record numbers. There should always be a limit, and our elected officials should not be afraid to say that. They work for us, not the other way around.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want a legacy that embodies telling the truth, standing up straight, and speaking up for my community regardless of backlash. Our communities need leaders who won’t bow to the system but rather speak up for their constituents, many of whom are afraid to speak out due to intimidation and fear. I want people to remember me for transforming their communities into something cleaner, safer, and beautiful.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don’t believe it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics. Many of our politicians are part of the political machine, webs of influence, and continually lie to us for their benefit. There are a lot of elected officials who have good intentions but are part of the same machine that has led to rising crime, increased cost of living, and reduced quality of life. It is beneficial to have fresh faces and balanced leadership to consider everyone, regardless of party.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is essential to build relationships with other legislators, regardless of party, so that the people can get a balanced form of leadership and leaders that consider all types of perspectives.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Council Member Robert Holden

Fire Marshal Assocation

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Our government has the responsibility to be transparent and inform its constituents about how their taxpayer dollars are being spent. If programs or other services are failing, then we must move on and find different ways to support our communities other than raising taxes and spending. If an elected official fails to answer to their constituents and improve their communities then they must be held accountable.