David Yassky

David Yassky (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 10th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on August 23, 2022.

Yassky (Democratic Party) also ran for election to the New York State Senate to represent District 26. He lost in the Democratic primary on August 23, 2022.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an experienced legislator and policymaker with a track record of accomplishment and innovation. As a City Council Member, I passed landmark legislation on affordable housing and gun safety. I played a leading role in reimagining and revitalizing the north Brooklyn waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge Park and provided funding for Cadman Park Plaza. During my tenure in office, The New York Times praised my “stellar record in the Council,” saying “we are particularly impressed with Mr. Yassky’s ability to think creatively and then implement his ideas.” I have also served as head of the City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.

As State Senator, I will fight for realistic legislative approaches for public schools, gun safety, affordable housing, green spaces, safer mass transit and transforming the State’s clean energy and manufacturing sector.

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?

As chief counsel to the House Committee on Crime, I helped pass the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban; in City Council, I wrote and passed legislation establishing liabilities against gun manufacturers if their guns cause injury or death. I’ve fought for Brooklyn’s safety before in the City Council, I’ll fight again for stricter gun laws in the State Senate.It is time for New York to become part of the solution to climate change rather than one of its aggravating factors. As TLC Commissioner, I got taxi companies to switch to clean-air hybrid vehicles. In the City Council, I sued Exxon-Mobil after the biggest oil spill in Brookly. In the State Senate, I will commit to pushing for a carbon neutral New York, and to transitioning from natural gas to clean and renewable energy.We are facing the biggest threat to women’s rights in our lifetimes. With the Supreme Court doing all they can to federally limit women’s rights, it is more important than ever to protect reproductive rights in the State Senate.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My campaign platform reflects the public policy issues which I personally care about, particularly on the subject of housing. New York’s affordable housing has been a deeply important issue to me throughout my career, and something which I truly care about repairing in office. One my first day in office, I would push to convert unused hotels and office buildings into supportive housing for the homeless and the vulnerable New Yorkers.

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

Concord by Black Country, New Road

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