Preferred Candidate ★ Xavier Santiago
Age: 45
Occupation: Film Producer
Education: Bowdoin College (B.A); American Academy of Dramatic Arts (A.A.) Columbia University (professional certificate)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Xavier Santiago is a film producer and the current chair of Manhattan Community Board 11. He has lived in East Harlem for 16 years and has been involved in local civic work related to economic mobility and voter access. Santiago supported all CU’s policy questionnaire items, and presented an excellent technical grasp of reform issues, including on BOE reform, redistricting, and voting accessibility. He would seek a seat on the oversight committee and push for more transparency in Albany. He also prioritizes easier party enrollment before a primary. On non reform issues, Santiago emphasizes his plans to strengthen constituent services and community relations. His alignment with the reform agenda and focus on community work earned him our preference in this race.
Eddie Gibbs
Age: 55
Occupation: New York State Assembly Member; 68th District
Education: Cayuga Community College (A.B.A.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Eddie Gibbs is completing his first full term in the Assembly, after first winning a special election to replace Robert Rodriguez in 2022. He is the second formerly incarcerated person in the nation and the first in New York to serve in a state legislature. In Albany, he has been a strong champion for the rights of incarcerated people and supporting the reentry community. Five of his bills were signed into law, including a bill providing notice of voting rights for people released from jails. Citizens Union commends Gibbs for providing an important voice that is needed in Albany.
Tamika Mapp
This candidate was not available for an interview.
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
William Smith
This candidate did not respond to Citizens Union’s questionnaire.