Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jeannine Kiely for NY Assembly District 66
Candidate Name: Jeannine Kiely
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 66
Campaign Website: https://www.jeanninekiely.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
My deep-rooted commitment to our district and its residents is built on two decades of direct action and community leadership in Lower Manhattan, 31 years living in the district and 14 years on Community Board 2. My candidacy for the State Assembly is not about performative politics but about a long-standing record of delivering material wins that improve our neighbors' lives. Having served as the Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2 and an elected Democratic District Leader, I have spent 14 years identifying local needs and navigating the levers of power in Albany to address them. I believe my background as the daughter of public school teachers and a product of a union household has instilled in me a quiet dependability and a bias toward action; when I see a gap in our services or a threat to our community's stability, I step up to lead the solution.
My accomplishments reflect a dedication to addressing our district's most urgent challenges, from affordability to education. In the realm of housing, I successfully advocated for 100% affordable housing at 388 Hudson Street—a project I championed for over a decade—and helped secure significant affordability at 5 World Trade Center.
Before my community activism, I worked in tax-exempt healthcare finance. When Beth Israel was on the brink, I joined the Save Beth Israel and New York Eye & Ear Campaign and led the Financial Services Workgroup. We produced two major reports — one valuing the property at up to $1 billion depending on zoning, and another detailing Mount Sinai’s systematic dismantling of Beth Israel. While just outside the 66th AD, when Mount Sinai seeks to monetize the Beth Isarel\ property, I want to ensure a portion of these proceeds supports healthcare downtown and affordable and supportive housing on that campus.
My commitment to our families is further evidenced by my work co-founding the Literacy Academy Collective, which established New York City’s first two district public schools for students with dyslexia, and my 12-year effort to open 75 Morton, a District 2 and District 75 middle school. My leadership is defined by bringing people together to solve complex problems. I am ready to bring this same level of strategic, results-oriented leadership to Albany to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and ensure our district remains a vibrant, affordable home for everyone.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
My involvement with LGBTQ+ organizations has primarily been through public service and community-board work. As Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2, I supported and signed the unanimous resolution to co-name the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North as Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Way, recognizing their landmark role in securing federal recognition for same-sex marriages and honoring the Village’s central place in LGBTQ+ civil-rights history. That effort was supported by the LGBT Center, Callen-Lorde, and Judson Memorial Church, and the resolution recognized institutions and community touchstones including SAGE, Callen-Lorde, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the Pride Parade, the Dyke March, and Trans Day of Action.
My CB2 record also includes support for protecting LGBTQ+ and transgender students: I supported CB2’s resolution affirming that public schools must be safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, and I supported CB2’s resolution rejecting CEC District 2’s anti-trans athletics resolution as discriminatory and harmful to transgender students. On my watch, we also passed a resolution advocating for increased urgency on addressing the mpox (formerly “monkeypox”) epidemic.
More recently, I supported CB2’s unanimous resolution opposing the National Park Service’s erasure of the “T” from Stonewall National Monument materials and calling for the immediate restoration of transgender people’s rightful place in that history. In Albany, I would build on this record by partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations on nondiscrimination protections, trans health care access, HIV/AIDS services, LGBTQ+ youth safety, senior services, and the preservation of the Village’s LGBTQ+ landmarks and institutions.
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 am an activist who worked to pass Prop 1, putting reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights into the state constitution, and regularly attend rallies for organized labor, LGBTQ+ rights, education and other issues. As an education advocate, I have spoken out and organized against initiatives to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, particularly trans students. I don’t just attend rallies. I will continue to speak out on behalf of our most marginalized students, as I did in March 2024 (1:18:45 timestamp), opposing CECD2’s resolution 248 that targeted transgender girls in sports.
Recently, I was the only leading candidate in the 66th AD to join a rally for transgender youth at NYU Langone, where Allen Roskoff gave a fantastic speech in support of trans rights.
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 am committed to making New York a powerful bulwark against any federal agenda that threatens our most vulnerable neighbors by organizing a broad, unified coalition to proactively defend civil and human rights. My plan centers on leading with operational competence to drive systemic policy changes that protect the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and marginalized groups. This includes aggressively fighting for the passage of the New York for All Act to prohibit state and local agencies from conspiring with ICE or Customs and Border Patrol. I will also champion the New York Civil Rights Act to create state-level causes of action for discrimination and the Protect Our Schools Act to ensure our public and charter schools remain safe havens where immigration enforcement is strictly prohibited.
To combat attacks on women and reproductive freedom, I will continue to build on my work passing Prop 1 to ensure that reproductive care remains fully legal under the New York State Constitution, regardless of federal interference. I’ve organized with Downtown Nasty Women to prepare “Plan A” (traditional) and Plan B (emergency contraception) birth control packages to send to women in states where access to free or low cost birth control is very limited.
I will also fight for universal childcare, single-payer healthcare through the New York Health Act, and proactive expansions in inclusive medical services and housing access for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, particularly trans youth. My approach is grounded in direct action—from walking picket lines with union workers to protesting for trans youth health access—and I will leverage my decades of experience as a coalition builder to ensure that New York remains a site of resistance and a place where all residents can live and work with dignity and respect.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
As a leader on the Prop 1 campaign, I have zero interest in accepting endorsements from people who oppose LGBTQ+ or reproductive rights nor groups that oppose or deny the need for racial justice.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, no exceptions.
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I have co-hosted and supported Drag Story Hour events and fundraisers for candidates in my community.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
I am a proven champion for immigrant communities, and I will continue to fight to ensure that New York remains a place where families are treated with dignity and respect. My work is grounded in on-the-ground activism, including personally confronting ICE during an immigration raid. I have also volunteered extensively to canvas local businesses to ensure they know their rights before ICE arrives, using materials prepared by Hands Off and Make the Road New York. As a youth sports advocate, I’ve coordinated with Hudson River Park to ensure they did not renew their contract for ICE parking at Pier 40 as well as reassured local parents that rumors of ICE abductions at Pier 40 were unfounded. Now that ICE is seeking additional parking contracts downtown, I will participate in anti-ICE demonstrations whenever I am able to do so.
In the Assembly, I will aggressively defend civil and human rights and work to make New York a bulwark against federal attacks on our immigrant neighbors. To echo some of the solutions from a previous answer, I will fight for the passage of the New York for All Act to prohibit state and local agencies from conspiring with ICE or Customs and Border Patrol. I also support the New York Civil Rights Act to create state-level causes of action for discrimination and the Protect Our Schools Act to ensure our classrooms remain safe havens where immigration enforcement is prohibited. Every facet of our culture and economy is better because of our immigrant communities, and I will always stand up for their right to live and work safely in our city.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Absolutely! I have rallied in support of transgender rights and transgender youth health care access at NYU Langone and will continue to be a forceful ally to trans New Yorkers.
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?
Yes.
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 the most vulnerable members of our community, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers, by focusing on expanding access to affordable and supportive housing, defending civil rights, and ensuring our government is responsive to those who are often overlooked. I view homelessness as a direct consequence of the housing crisis and support expanding the supply of supportive and permanent affordable housing while streamlining access to essential services to ensure no one falls through the cracks, along with shelters as a temporary solution. As a proven champion for immigrant communities, I will defend our neighbors against federal overreach and support the New York for All Act to prohibit state and local agencies from conspiring with immigration enforcement.
Additionally, I will fight for the Access to Representation Act to ensure legal counsel for anyone facing deportation and support the Protect Our Schools Act to prohibit immigration enforcement in public and charter schools.
My record demonstrates a commitment to building and securing housing for those in need. I have a long-standing record of supporting housing projects at the maximum density allowed and successfully advocated for 100% affordable housing at 388 Hudson Street, a project I have championed for over a decade. I also support the acquisition and conversion of hotels and former SROs into supportive housing.
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, and early on in my campaign I had a personal confrontation with ICE. I witnessed a kidnapping in real time. I recorded the kidnapping and immediately connected with elected officials and advocacy networks to help and only after doing so, shared on social media..
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?
I support all of these pieces of legislation and will cosponsor.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
The death penalty has no place in a civilized society, and I oppose it in all circumstances.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Solitary confinement is torture and I oppose it entirely.
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 will visit incarcerated constituents and work to secure release of individuals through both the clemency process and criminal justice reforms at the legislative level. Too many people are sitting behind bars who should be home with their families and receiving a second chance.
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?
Absolutely! This is an important issue, and I look forward to working with your members to drastically increase clemencies.
18. Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election?
I supported Zohran Mamdani for mayor and was a vocal opponent of Andrew Cuomo in both the primary and general election. Cuomo is a disgrace to our state, and I’m proud we elected a mayor with bold ideas and strong character.
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, that his name remains on the Queensboro Bridge is a slap in the face to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, especially survivors of the AIDS crisis he did nothing to stop.
20. Do you support naming the soon to be reconstructed 42nd street bus terminal the Bella Abzug Port Authority?
Of course, she’s an inspiration!
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
I look forward to working in coalition with pro-housing legislators including Sen. Erik Bottcher of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to tackle the housing crisis.
To secure the building of low- and moderate-income housing across the state, I am committed to a comprehensive legislative remedy that centers on 100% affordable housing development. My strategy prioritizes the use of public land to deliver deeply affordable units, ensuring that government-owned property serves the highest public good. A critical component of this plan is the successful model I have advocated for at 5 World Trade Center, where I continue to push for a 100% affordable project that meets the urgent needs of the community.
Beyond new construction, my platform emphasizes the protection of existing residents through robust anti-displacement tools. This includes fighting for a statewide Right to Counsel to provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction and expanding rent increase exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities. By combining aggressive zoning reforms, like transit-oriented development and "missing middle" housing, with strengthened tenant protections, we can create a sustainable housing ecosystem that serves all New Yorkers.[1][2][3]
I will fight for both affordability and availability by tackling our housing supply crisis head-on. I will support new housing, prioritize 100% affordable housing on government-owned land and focus on building coalitions statewide.
I support the following statewide zoning reforms to increase housing production and permit:
1. Transit-oriented development near rail and bus hubs – with minimum density or unit count, mid-rise apartments and mixed-use as of right within ? mile of transit stations.
2. Multifamily housing statewide permitting to include duplexes, triplexes and 4-6 unit multi-family buildings statewide.
3. Additional density bonuses for affordable housing coupled with state funding.
4. Basement apartments combined with safety upgrades.
5. Accessory Dwelling Units combined with funds for sewer and stormwater infrastructure that will address flooding from increased lot coverage and storm surge flooding.
I have a strong track record of success on housing during my 14 years on Manhattan Community Board 2, including as Chair. My community wins include achieving 100% affordable housing at 388 Hudson Street. I supported the "win-win solution" that saved Elizabeth Street Garden while supporting the construction of over 620 affordable units nearby.
In addition, I want to expand and develop statewide programs to:
1. Stop Displacement. Our neighbors deserve better. In Albany, I will support a comprehensive set of anti-displacement tools, defend our most vulnerable residents and keep people in their homes. Key priorities include expanding and improving the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) with annual inflation indexes and auto-enrollment. Furthermore, I will advocate for a Statewide Right to Counsel, expanding the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) pilot, strengthening Good Cause Eviction protections to ensure predictable rents and passing Net Loss Provision legislation that would require replacement of rent-stabilized units demolished, converted, or lost through redevelopment.
2. Fund Social Housing. In the 1950s, the Mitchell-Lama program created over 130,000 units of social housing in New York City, plus many more across New York State. However, as 35,000 units have been privatized, and demand for housing has only grown in New York City, we must renew our commitment to social housing. In the Assembly, I will fight to expand permanently affordable, resident-controlled housing, and increase oversight in existing buildings.
3. Create and fund a dedicated Deeply Affordable Housing Program in New York State. New Yorkers are experiencing a crisis of deep affordability, where over half of all rent-burdened households earn under 30% Area Median Income (AMI). This program would commit at least 25-40% of units in funded projects to households below 30% AMI for 50-99 years, with funding potentially coming from increases to high-end real estate transfer taxes, a portion of cannabis tax revenue, and Deeply Affordable Housing Bonds.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
Absolutely. I have not and will not take a dime from these interests.
23. 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).
Yes! Sex work is work. I support full decriminalization as advocates have demanded, not the Nordic model.
24. 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, our schools must teach our history honestly. On January 6, 2021, our entire family was home remotely working and attending school. Everyone left their zoom screens and sat around, in shock, as we watched our nation’s dark history unfold before us. It is critical that all students study this insurrection and the impact it has and will have on our nation’s history.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I will be a progressive fighter in the NYS Assembly. I will champion the construction of housing, including affordable and supportive housing, fight to make our state a sanctuary for all facing oppression throughout the country, move the ball forward on LGBTQ+ rights, reform our education system to ensure equity, work to finally pass the NY Health Act and ensure we’re hitting our climate targets.
I am the most viable candidate in this race, being the only candidate to max out and receive the full $175,000 of public matching funds as of May 15, 2026, I have the strongest community support and most robust field operation. I raised the most money of any candidate during the last filing period and was able to max out the public funds program so quickly due to my strong small-dollar, in-district support. Our campaign received significantly more signatures during ballot petitioning than any other campaign with signatures coming from all 72 election districts in the 66th AD.
I’ve earned endorsements from Rep. Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Council Member Harvey Epstein, Council Member Christopher Marte, Council Member Gale Brewer, former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, former Council Member Justin Brannan, Downtown Independent Democrats, Coalition for a District Alternative, Village Reform Democratic Club, the 504 Democratic Club, Eleanor’s Legacy and a host of district leaders and state committee members.
26. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Of course, this would be an honor!
add my basic language about housing around the state.
See https://www.jeanninekiely.com/issues/housing?source=e74479e6-01b3-41b9-bec6-c51ecac21ddb
Added the whole thing below the YIMBY JOLDC framing. Look good?
Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club 1
2026 State Endorsement Application