Louis Puliafito

Louis Puliafito earned an associate degree from LaGuardia Community College in 1985. His career experience includes working as the producer and host of Decent Life.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Not Left. Not Right. Forward.

Lou Puliafito embodies the resilience, work ethic, and neighbor‑first spirit that define New York. Born and raised in Yorkville—where he also raised his own family—Lou built a 25‑year career in Information Technology for Fortune 100 companies, beginning humbly in Merrill Lynch’s mailroom and rising to develop financial applications, manage enterprise‑wide systems at New York Life Insurance, and support charitable initiatives through the New York Life Foundation.

Complementing his corporate leadership, Lou also dedicated 20 years to SEIU 32BJ residential service, including eight years as a shop steward, advocating for workplace fairness, safety, and dignity.

Lou’s story resonates widely across the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island from working families and seniors to the disenfranchised, the less fortunate, and disillusioned Democrats seeking a credible alternative.

In his 2020 State Assembly race, Lou earned 42% of the vote while being outspent $500K to $10K. Think about that!

This is the strongest performance for a Manhattan Republican candidate in 25 years!

Lou is focused on fairness for our seniors, children, and working families who deserve safety, affordability, and accountability from Albany. Furthermore, Lou will work to remove the grip of the Epstein Class on our state. No one is above the law, even the Epstein Class.

Lou believes: "Every honest, hard-working person deserves a Decent Life”.

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?

Open Primaries: 25% of voters are excluded from voting in the primaries. With open primaries, candidates have to consider a broader electorate, increase voter choice, gives independents greater influence, and reduces the influence of party extremes.Ban Social Media: Like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, social should be prohibited for anyone under 21 years-old. It is detrimental to mental and social development with its addictive and manipulative design.Back to paper, pencil, and cursive writing.

New York's public schools need a renewed focus on preparing students for success in school, work, and life.

We should return to the proven fundamentals of learning. Greater use of paper, pencil, and cursive writing helps develop memory, concentration, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. Screens should be used purposefully—not as a replacement for teaching.

Our academic priorities should be reading, writing, mathematics, science, and civics. Every student should graduate with strong literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about: "Every honest, hard-working New Yorker deserves a Decent Life". This focuses on:

1. Affordability and Economic Opportunity

2. Putting Technology in Its Place

3. Public Safety and Quality of Life

4. Government Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

5. Racial and Social Equity

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in New York City’s Yorkville. For over forty years, my wife and I have worked hard to help raise a family, and serve our local community. As a father, grandfather, longtime SEIU 32BJ member, Shop Steward, doorman, and porter, I am no stranger to the struggles of everyday life.

With the cornerstone of our democratic process under threat from forces both without and within, I know how crucial it is that we ensure every voice is counted in order for them to be heard.

I believe that “diverse opinions” create “doable solutions”.

Our economy favors only the few. Our society has been distracted from our morals. We need experienced down-to-earth level-headed voices in government to push back against the unbridled greed, rampant corruption, and reckless mismanagement that’s left millions of our hard-working neighbors to fend for themselves while immigration policy strains state and local budgets. What is lost is the Constitutional right of a “Fair Shake”. This is why I am running for the New York State Senate.

In Albany, I will fight to ensure that everyone gets their “Fair Shake”, that people come before profits, our State and Country are kept safe, and our environment is preserved and protected. This a team effort and its time for the corporations and billionaires to do their part so that everyone gets a “Fair Shake”. Its time to minimize the “Wackoo-Doodles” on both sides of the aisle. As a result families, children, seniors, and and businesses will thrive.

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?

All votes must count so we need to have Open Primaries and Rank Choice Voting for all elected offices. Term limits on all elected offices. Require a Voter ID.Social Media is destroying our society. We must ban use for anyone under 18 years old. Scale -Down the algorithms that divide us. These companies have to pay news outlets for distribution of their content.Inject common sense into Cashless Bail Reform.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We have to inspire New Yorkers to register and vote. The entire election process needs to be overhauled so that every vote counts and with open primaries and rank choice voting the candidates will have to focus on a larger inclusive agenda.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must have empathy, integrity and common sense. The elected official must have the courage and stamina to take on the political party machines and special interests to insure a Decent Life for all honest hard-working people.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Don Quixote

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

Who'll Stop the Rain by Creedance Clearwater Revival and All You Need Is Love by the Beatles

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

The greatest New York City Mayor: Fiorello LaGuardia

Louis Puliafito did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Louis Puliafito did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

Louis Puliafito did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Children's Rights

End Corruption

Housing

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We need to "Love Our Neighbor". When we see each other as peers we work together to nurture our children, protect our seniors, and strengthen our families while conserving the environment and promoting ethical businesses.

All children must have a loving home, nutritious food, and an education. We must remove the physical, emotional, mental, and financial abuses in their path. No child should feel unwanted or in danger.

With this focus, all of our problems can be resolved such as income inequality, housing, healthcare, retirement...

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Empathy

Truth

Integrity

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Empathy, integrity, truthful, and stamina

What legacy would you like to leave?

Better world for all children.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

JFK Assassination

6 years old

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was delivering liquor until I met my wife. Then I was a doorman and union member while going to college while working in a deli too. This led to my first corporate job in the mailroom of Merrill Lynch and successful 25 year career.

What happened on your most awkward date?

My first date with my wife was at a sporting event. Where I promptly lost her until the end. We met going home and the rest is history.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

Photos of my family.

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

Head shoulders knees and toes

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

They need love in their hearts and common sense.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Corruption and housing

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

A working relationship is best.

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

Yes because when we understand each other we create laws fair to all