Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Manny De Los Santos for NY Assembly District 72
Candidate Name: Manny De Los Santos
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 72
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
As a lifelong uptown resident, coming from an educational background, and current Assemblymember, I understand the challenges and strengths of our community because I have lived them. My work has always centered on expanding opportunity, protecting working families, and ensuring that Northern Manhattan receives the investment and attention it deserves. In office, I have prioritized affordable housing, language access, education, healthcare, worker protections, and immigrant rights while remaining accessible and responsive to constituents.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have worked closely with LGBTQ+ advocates, community organizations, and local leaders throughout my time in public service and community organizing. I have supported LGBTQ+ affirming programming, Pride events, and advocacy efforts focused on equality, anti-discrimination protections, healthcare access, and safe 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?
I have participated in and supported numerous rallies, marches, press conferences, and community events focused on immigrant rights, racial justice, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, tenant protections, and economic justice. I have also stood publicly against policies that target vulnerable communities, including harmful policies advanced during the Trump administration.
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 New York must continue to serve as a firewall against attacks on civil rights and basic freedoms. I will continue supporting legislation that protects immigrants, reproductive healthcare access, LGBTQ+ rights, workers, and public education while partnering with grassroots organizations and local leaders to organize and mobilize our communities.
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 protecting access to reproductive healthcare and abortion rights.
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I support inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and families, including programming that promotes acceptance, education, and community engagement.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
As the son of immigrants, being a former immigrant myself, and representing one of the largest immigrant communities in the city, I understand how critical these protections are. I support policies that protect immigrant families from exploitation and fear, expand language access, strengthen legal protections, and ensure local resources are not used to target immigrant communities.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Yes.
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 believe we must invest in housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and public services while ensuring the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share.
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 believe the government has a responsibility to treat every person with dignity. I support investments in supportive housing, mental health services, shelter improvements, workforce development, and long-term affordable housing solutions. I have worked to connect asylum seekers and vulnerable residents with services and resources while advocating for thoughtful community engagement and support systems.
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)?
Yes, I support the goals of the New York for All Act and efforts to protect immigrant communities from harmful federal enforcement practices.
13. Do you support the listed sentencing and parole reform legislation?
Yes. I support efforts to create a more just and rehabilitative criminal justice system that recognizes personal growth, rehabilitation, and fairness while maintaining public safety.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes. Solitary confinement is inhumane and harmful.
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 believe rehabilitation and redemption should be central to our justice system, and I support meaningful opportunities for reentry and second chances.
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.
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 candidates who reflected my values around equity, affordability, public investment, and protecting working families.
19. Would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
I believe public infrastructure and monuments should reflect the values of inclusion, equality, and justice. I would be open to reviewing and discussing such legislation.
20. Do you support naming the soon to be reconstructed 42nd street bus terminal the Bella Abzug Port Authority?
Yes. Bella Abzug’s legacy as a champion for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice deserves recognition.
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
We need stronger investments in deeply affordable housing, tenant protections, Mitchell-Lama preservation, supportive housing, community land trusts, and faster production of affordable units. I also support expanding state resources for nonprofit and mission-driven housing development.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
I remain committed to running a campaign grounded in community values and focused on the needs of working families and vulnerable communities.
23. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults?
I support approaches centered on public health, safety, and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and violence, while ensuring survivors and impacted individuals receive support and services.
24. Do you support mandatory inclusion of curriculum regarding the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol?
Yes. Students should learn accurate and comprehensive civic history, including the events surrounding January 6 and the importance of protecting democracy.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
Throughout my time in office, I have worked to lead with compassion, accessibility, and a commitment to equity. I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in the state and remain committed to fighting for immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, working families, tenants, seniors, and young people.
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.