Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jibreel Jalloh for NY Assembly District 59
Candidate Name: Jibreel Jalloh
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 59
Campaign Website: https://www.jibreeljalloh.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am running to represent every single resident of AD 59 because my life’s work has been rooted in meeting people where they are and delivering real solutions to real problems. I believe leadership is not about avoiding challenges, it is about confronting them head-on and bringing the right people and resources together to create change.
Throughout my career, I have taken action when I saw gaps in our community. When gun violence threatened the safety of our neighborhoods, I didn’t wait, I helped start an organization dedicated to addressing it. When families struggled with affordability and declining quality of life, I recognized that meaningful solutions require a seat at the table where decisions are made.
My experiences have taught me that effective representation means collaboration, accountability, and persistence. I understand the challenges our residents face because I have worked alongside them, advocated for them, and built initiatives to support them. I am prepared to bring that same commitment, urgency, and problem-solving mindset to Albany to ensure AD 59 receives the resources, attention, and leadership it deserves.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
While I have not been directly involved with LGBTQ+ organizations, I am deeply committed to advocating for equity, inclusion, and dignity for all people. My work has consistently focused on ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities have access to the resources, protections, and opportunities they deserve.
I believe that effective leadership requires listening, learning, and building meaningful partnerships. As a representative, I will actively engage with LGBTQ+ organizations, advocates, and residents in AD 59 to better understand their needs and ensure their voices are reflected in policy decisions. I am committed to supporting legislation and initiatives that protect LGBTQ+ rights, expand access to healthcare and housing, and promote safe, inclusive communities.
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?
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 believe our responsibility as leaders is to protect our communities, uphold fundamental rights, and ensure that no one is left vulnerable to harmful policies, regardless of who is in power at the federal level. My approach to combating any agenda that threatens women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and communities of color is grounded in action, coalition-building, and policy.
First, I will work with my colleagues in government to strengthen protections at the state level, advancing legislation that safeguards reproductive rights, protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and ensures immigrants have access to essential services and legal protections. New York must continue to serve as a firewall for civil rights.
Second, I will organize at the community level by building strong partnerships with grassroots organizations, advocacy groups, and local leaders. Real power comes from informed, engaged communities, and I will prioritize outreach, education, and mobilization to ensure residents know their rights and have access to resources.
Third, I will use the platform of this office to hold systems accountable, challenging policies that harm our communities and advocating for equitable funding, public safety, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
No. I will not seek or accept endorsements from individuals or organizations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights or reproductive freedom.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes. I support the right to reproductive care and abortion. I believe that decisions about one’s body and healthcare should be made by individuals in consultation with their medical providers, not by politicians.
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
While I have not personally hosted or funded Drag Story Hours, I support initiatives that promote inclusion, literacy, and safe spaces for children and families. I believe communities benefit when we create environments where all people feel seen, respected, and valued.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
I am committed to strengthening protections for immigrants and upholding New York’s role as a sanctuary for those seeking safety, opportunity, and dignity. As the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, I am committed to supporting and defending policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in ways that protect due process and keep families together. Public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and local law enforcement, must remain safe spaces where residents can seek services without fear. I will also work to expand access to legal services, language access, and community-based resources that help immigrant families navigate complex systems. Ensuring that immigrants understand their rights and have representation is critical to justice and stability. Finally, I will advocate for investments in housing, healthcare, education, and workforce development that include and uplift immigrant communities, recognizing their essential contributions to our economy and culture.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Yes. I support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State.
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. I support a fair and equitable tax system where those with the greatest ability to contribute pay their fair share so we can invest in the services our communities rely on.
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 am committed to representing our most vulnerable residents, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers. I will advocate for increased investment in permanent affordable housing, supportive housing with wraparound services, mental health care, and workforce development so individuals and families can achieve long-term stability. I will also ensure that our shelter system is safe, well-resourced, and accountable.
For asylum seekers, I will work to expand access to legal services, language support, employment opportunities, and pathways to stability so that individuals can contribute fully to our communities. I have not opposed shelters in my district. I believe the issue is not whether we provide shelter, it is how we do it. Communities deserve thoughtful planning, adequate resources, and transparency, and those in need deserve humane, safe, and well-managed spaces.
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. I support legislation like the New York for All Act to ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in ways that undermine trust and harm our communities.
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 the Second Look Act because I believe in the power of rehabilitation and that excessively long sentences do not always serve justice or public safety. I also support the Earned Time Act, which creates meaningful incentives for personal growth and allows individuals to earn opportunities for earlier release through demonstrated transformation. Additionally, I support the Marvin Mayfield Act. Mandatory minimums have contributed to the loss of entire generations to incarceration by removing judicial discretion and failing to account for individual circumstances. I also support Elder Parole, recognizing that individuals who have served lengthy sentences, particularly those over the age of 55 deserve a meaningful opportunity for review, especially given the lower risk they pose and the potential for successful reintegration.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I oppose the death penalty because I support rehabilitation where possible, and justice that is applied equitably and without the risk of irreversible harm.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, I support outlawing solitary confinement. Extended isolation can cause severe psychological harm and undermines rehabilitation, ultimately making reentry more difficult and communities less safe.
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?
Yes. I am committed to engaging with all of my constituents, including those who are incarcerated. Representation does not end at prison walls, and it is important to understand firsthand the conditions, challenges, and opportunities for rehabilitation within our system.
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 am committed to ensuring that my constituents have access to information and resources related to clemency applications. I will make these materials readily available, including sharing links through constituent newsletters and other communication channels.
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?
No
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
20. Do you support naming the soon to be reconstructed 42nd street bus terminal the Bella Abzug Port Authority?
Yes, I support naming the reconstructed 42nd Street Bus Terminal in honor of Bella Abzug. Bella Abzug was a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for women’s rights, civil rights, and social justice. Naming a major public transportation hub after her would be powerful.
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
I will support expanding funding for affordable housing development, including increased capital investments, tax credits, and incentives that prioritize deeply affordable units for low- and moderate-income families. I will also advance policies that require or incentivize inclusionary zoning, ensuring that new developments include a meaningful percentage of affordable units. Also, I will work to strengthen tenant protections while preventing displacement, stabilizing rents, and preserving existing affordable housing stock.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
Yes
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
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.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I am a Brooklyn community leader, public policy advocate, and organizer dedicated to expanding opportunities for working families across AD59. AD 59 is the district I was raised in and intend to raise my family in.
Raised in a working class and union household with a strong commitment to service and community empowerment, I have worked with local organizations, residents, and civic leaders to address issues affecting everyday New Yorkers. From housing affordability and youth opportunity to public safety and workforce development, I have been particularly engaged in initiatives that connect young people to mentorship, education, and career pathways.
I am focused on strengthening public education, supporting small businesses, promoting economic mobility, and ensuring communities have a voice in government. I believe government should work for the people it serves. My approach emphasizes collaboration with community stakeholders, labor organizations, educators, and neighborhood leaders to develop practical solutions that improve quality of life. I have advocated for stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and policies that help families build stable and thriving futures in Brooklyn.
26. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Yes