Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Alicia L. Hyndman for NY Assembly District 29
Candidate Name: Alicia L. Hyndman
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 29
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am best qualified to represent my district because I have deep roots in the community and a lifelong commitment to public service. My experience in education, community leadership, and the State Assembly has allowed me to deliver real results for working families, students, and small businesses, while remaining responsive and accountable to the people I serve.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
Throughout my public service, I have been an active ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I have been involved with the Stonewall Democrats, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ equality and progressive candidates, and I have been an invited guest of the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens on multiple occasions. I also supported and stood with LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates in our community and have co-sponsored important legislation like GENDA (the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act) to protect LGBTQ+ New Yorkers from discrimination.
3. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ+ issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump and his policies?
I have participated in press conferences and public actions supporting racial justice and criminal justice reform, including events with the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus advocating for accountability and equity. I have also publicly supported and advanced LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive rights through legislative advocacy, public statements, and community events, standing firmly for civil rights and against policies that undermine justice and inclusion.
4. In light of the Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
I will continue to combat harmful federal policies by strengthening and enforcing New York State laws that protect women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and communities of color. Through legislation, coalition-building, and community engagement, I will ensure New York remains a leader in defending civil rights, equity, and dignity for all.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
No
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes. I strongly support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion. I have helped pass and championed state legislation in New York that affirms a woman’s right to choose, protects access to safe, legal abortion, and ensures comprehensive reproductive health care, including requiring insurance coverage for contraception and safeguarding reproductive decisions from discrimination
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
N/A
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
I will continue to protect and expand rights for immigrant families by supporting legislation that ensures access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, regardless of immigration status. I am committed to upholding New York’s role as a sanctuary state so that all residents can live, work, and contribute without fear.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
I support strengthening and defending state policies that ensure transgender New Yorkers are treated fairly, safely, and with dignity.
10. If elected, will you commit to supporting legislation that raises taxes on the richest New Yorkers and large corporations in order to fund the services and investments our communities need?
I support fair and equitable tax policies that ensure all New Yorkers pay their fair share to fund the services and investments our communities need. In the State Assembly, I have supported budgets that extend and maintain progressive tax measures, including the continued millionaires’ tax and other provisions that ask the wealthiest to contribute to essential public services and infrastructure in our state.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers?
Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district? I will represent our most vulnerable residents, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers, by advocating for investments in affordable housing, supportive services, and programs that help families remain stable and secure.
12. Will you sponsor and support legislation which will ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (New York for All Act) to prevent the funneling of people into ICE custody, and the sharing of sensitive information with ICE?
Yes
13. To advance safety and justice, New York must address our archaic sentencing and parole laws. Do you support the following key legislation: 1) Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283), which would allow judges to review and reconsider excessive sentences by considering if incarcerated people have transformed while incarcerated or based on changes in law and norms; 2) Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085), which would strengthen and expand “good time” and “merit time” programs in prison that encourage personal transformation and reunite families?; 3) Marvin Mayfield Act (S.1209/A.1297), which would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, thereby allowing judges to consider individual factors in a case?; 4) Elder Parole (S.454/A.514), which would allow incarcerated people over age 55 who have served 15 years the opportunity to go before the parole board?
Yes, I support meaningful criminal justice reform, including legislation that allows for sentence review and rehabilitation?focused policies. I am a co-sponsor on A1283, A1085,A1297 and A514.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes
16. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
I support criminal justice reforms that prioritize rehabilitation and fairness. While I don’t have a public record of regular visits to incarcerated individuals, I am committed to advocating for those who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation and working to support their safe reintegration into society.
17. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Yes. I will make clemency application information accessible to my constituents, including providing links to the official New York State clemency application and resources through my newsletter and district communications so people understand how to apply and where to get assistance. I also commit to working with community partners and sharing that information with your club to help those seeking pardons or commutations as part of fairer justice and reintegration.
18. Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? I ranked him number one. Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election?
The democratic nominee
19. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of scores of people with AIDS, excused city council members who voted against the gay rights bill and was blatantly racist, would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
Yes, I would support and sponsor legislation to rename the former Queensboro Bridge.
20. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
To support the building of more low and moderate income housing, I support state investments and budget priorities that expand and preserve affordable housing statewide, including funding for community?based affordable housing programs and tenant protections that help families stay in their homes.
21. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
I believe in transparent and ethical campaign fundraising, and I work to ensure my campaign reflects the values of my community. I remain committed to listening to my constituents and making fundraising decisions that align with our shared values and priorities. I have the highest number of NYC corrections officers in my district. I support them and they support me. I also support the PBA and vice versa because I have a large number of police officers in the district too. I have 5 charter schools in my district and while I do not support any and all legislation that furthers the growth of charter schools in New York State I do support the parents and students that attend these schools.
22. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults? Also known as Cecilia's Act for Rights in the Sex Trades (S2513 Salazar / A3251 Forrest).
While I work to ensure fairness and safety in our criminal justice system, I continue to review legislation on this issue and make decisions based on community input, public safety concerns, and the impacts on vulnerable populations.
23. There is an effort to have mandatory inclusion of the New York State proposal that would require public schools to teach about the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, commonly described in the bill text as an “insurrection.” Do you support this proposal?
Yes
24. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I would like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider my longstanding commitment to education, civic engagement, and social justice
25. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Yes