Diana Ayala represented East Harlem and the Bronx in the City Council for eight years, with eight years prior on City Council staff. She fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda and offered personal and passionate context for her priorities, particularly around mental health, the opioid crisis, and NYCHA conditions. She understands how government works and how bills are moved. She will be the most effective advocate for her district, and we prefer her in the Democratic primary.

Eddie Gibbs is the Assembly Member for District 68 and is seeking re-election. He is the prime sponsor of a bill to extend voting hours following polling-place disruptions, a direct Citizens Union priority, and he fully supported CU’s reform agenda. However, Citizens Union has been troubled by significant ethical concerns regarding Assembly Member Gibbs since his last election in 2024. Gibbs addressed each incident, framing his conduct as that of a ‘people-tician’ rather than a politician, and criticized those raising concerns as engaged in pearl-clutching. While Citizens Union considered his explanations carefully, the organization cannot overlook a documented antisemitic incident at his 2024 reelection party. His inability to acknowledge the harm caused and fully reckon with this incident in his interview was deeply concerning and ultimately decisive in our decision not to prefer him in this race.

William Smith ran for this seat in 2024, finishing fourth with just over 6% of the vote. He fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda, except for open primaries, but his view seemed more amenable after learning more during his interview. Citizens Union found that Smith demonstrated real policy depth through his candidate evaluation. We urge him to remain involved in the community.

Tameeka Garcia-Taylor is a military veteran, IT consultant, and small business owner running for office for the first time. She is actively involved in the American Legion Post 398 and a member of the NAACP. Citizens Union encourages her to stay involved in local politics.