New York's 15th Congressional District Candidates 2026

Common questions

When is the election?

The general election is on November 3, 2026.

How do the candidates differ on Economy & Jobs?

Andre Easton proposes raising the federal minimum wage to $30 an hour and repealing the federal public housing cap. Ritchie Torres votes yea on acts supporting technology use, capital access, TRIA reauthorization, and financial exploitation prevention, but nay on privacy in purchases and the KIDS Act. Jose Vega argues that the loss of manufacturing and industrial jobs drove Bronx poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity. Stylo Sapaskis proposes raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour and offering financial aid for higher education. Gonzalo Duran says the middle class is being hollowed out, leaving people with little left to strive for.

How do the candidates differ on Healthcare?

Andre Easton supports taxing pharmaceutical companies profiting from the opioid crisis to fund addiction treatment and healthcare in affected communities like the Bronx. Ritchie Torres voted yea on reauthorization acts for EARLY, rural care, and SUPPORT for patients, but voted nay on Do No Harm in Medicaid and lowering health care premiums. Gonzalo Duran supports increasing access to healthy foods and education on healthy living to improve public health in the Bronx.

How do the candidates differ on Immigration?

Andre Easton supports granting full legal status to all undocumented immigrants and ending ICE raids to protect immigrant workers and unify the workforce. Ritchie Torres votes nay on multiple immigration enforcement and security bills, but yea on a national emergency resolution related to immigration. Gonzalo Duran publicly criticized the 2025 opening of a migrant shelter in the South Bronx.

How do the candidates differ on Public Safety & Crime?

Andre Easton opposes overpolicing as a response to the drug addiction crisis and advocates for systemic solutions including taxing Big Pharma to fund treatment. Ritchie Torres voted yea on the GUARD Act and prison staff safety, but voted nay on privacy in purchases, veterans 2nd amendment protection, cashless bail reporting, and keeping violent offenders off the streets. Stylo Sapaskis says Democratic policies fail to deliver the increased police presence the district needs. Gonzalo Duran supports stronger legislation and increased funding to combat animal cruelty and improve animal welfare services in the Bronx.

How do the candidates differ on Taxes & Government Spending?

Andre Easton supports increasing taxes on billionaires and Wall Street to fund rental assistance and reduce military spending to address housing affordability. Ritchie Torres voted yea on tax relief and AGOA extension acts, but voted nay on budget resolutions and multiple appropriations acts.

How do the candidates differ on Energy & Environment?

Ritchie Torres votes yea on diesel emissions reduction and conservation initiatives, but nay on EPA rule disapproval, consumer fuel choice, and HEATS Act. Gonzalo Duran advocates for increased access to green spaces, improved parks, environmental education, and securing funding for neglected parks in the Bronx.

How do the candidates differ on Foreign Policy & Defense?

Andre Easton supports cutting the military budget by billions to fund social programs but does not detail specific foreign policy or defense positions. He also opposes continued U.S. taxpayer-funded aid to Israel. Ritchie Torres voted yea on resolutions directing removal of US forces from Iran and Lebanon, and on naming a VA clinic, but voted nay on the National Defense Authorization Act and FISA Amendments extension.