Pheffer Amato Endorses Pesach Osina in Assembly Race

On Tuesday, January 13, Pesach Osina officially announced that he is running as a Democrat for New York State Assembly District 23, which covers the Rockaways, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and South Ozone Park. And with that came an endorsement from the current leader in the position, outgoing Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

In November, Pheffer Amato announced that she would not be running for reelection for the assembly seat that she’s held for 10 years. Since then, a few contenders have thrown their hat into the ring for this year’s elections, including Pesach Osina. On Tuesday, he received the endorsement of Pheffer Amato.

“I’m proud to endorse my good friend Pesach Osina for NYS Assembly. I’ve worked hand in hand with Pesach over the last decade and know he will show up and deliver for our community. Pesach will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community. In challenging times like these we need a leader who knows how to cut through the noise and focus on what’s really important. That’s Pesach Osina and that’s why I’m strongly endorsing him for NYS Assembly,” Pheffer Amato said.

Osinahas held numerous roles in government including this Assembly District, the New York City Comptroller’s office and for the past four years with the New York City Council Speaker’s office.

“In these roles, I wasn’t focused on titles—I was focused on people. I listened, I educated, I advocated, and I helped residents navigate government so they could get real, meaningful results,” Osina said. “With so much uncertainty, we need elected leaders who understand how to make government work for working people. That’s what I’ve done my whole career and that’s how I’ll deliver for our communities as our next Assemblymember.”

Osina has supported his community beyond in governmental roles. When Superstorm Sandy approached, Osina worked alongside community leaders and local stakeholders to prepare neighborhoods across the district. As the storm hit, he stayed through the night coordinating with local organizations to reach stranded families. In the months that followed, he traveled throughout the district—helping establish relief sites, working side by side with stakeholders, to ensure that no community, no family, and no individual was forgotten.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Osina was instrumental in setting up pop-up food distribution sites, securing equitable testing and vaccination locations, and delivering thousands of pieces of PPE to marginalized and vulnerable communities across the district. That work continues today through his service as a Commissioner on the New York City Commission on Racial Equity.

“I am running to serve as the next Assemblymember for the 23rd District—not for a title, but to serve, to lead with humility,” Pesach Osina said. “Our communities need a leader who understands the issues on the ground, and can build coalitions across neighborhoods. In a divided city, I will be that bridge – bringing resources, attention, and action to every corner of the district—so that all communities are seen, supported, and able to thrive.”

Howard Beach attorney Mike Scala is also running as a Democrat for the position.  In response to Pheffer Amato’s endorsement of Osina, his campaign released a statement saying, “We stand by our message that we have the strongest candidacy and are best suited to serve the entire district. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato has earned our respect for her public service and the legislation she passed during her time in Albany. But looking ahead, Mike Scala is the most qualified candidate to represent all of our neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong support we’ve earned throughout the 23rd Assembly District.”

Republican Thomas Sullivan is also allegedly planning to run for the seat once again after he came close to defeating Pheffer Amato in the 2024 election.

The primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026. The general election is set for November 3, 2026.