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New York State Assembly District 68 - Ballotpedia

Xavier earned an associate’s degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a bachelor’s degree in English and theatre from Bowdoin College, and studied film at Columbia University. He lives in East Harlem with his children.

Xavier currently works as the festival director of the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival. He previously worked as an executive producer at Saint Productions and as a producer at Phil Coxon Entertainment and Animal Planet.

Xavier Santiago previously ran for election to the New York State Assembly for District 68 in 2024 but did not win.

As of May 6, 2025, Xavier Santiago’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

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Xavier Santiago

Buket Urgen

Testimony by Beverly MacFarlane, Resident Council President of ...

As of May 8, 2025, Beverly MacFarlane did not have a website or any information online.

Beverly currently serves as resident council president of the Taft Houses.

Beverly MacFarlane’s campaign for delegate to the judicial convention in State Assembly District 68 is her first run for public office.

As of May 6, 2025, Beverly MacFarlane did not have a website or any information online.

Beverly MacFarlane

Believes the trust was passed illegally due to an active consent decree not being satisfied.

Opposes the demolition aspect of RAD/PACT and trust programs.

Brandon is originally from Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Howard University, and a doctorate degree in social work from the University of Southern California. He lives in Harlem.

Brandon currently works as a professor, therapist, and journalist. He previously served as a member of Community Board 11.

Brandon Gillespie’s campaign for delegate to judicial convention is his first run for public office. He is also running for mayor in 2025.

As of May 6, 2025, Brandon Gillespie’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Brandon Gillespie

Diana I. Ayala - The New York City Council

Diana is originally from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. She earned an associate’s degree in human services from Bronx Community College. She lives in East Harlem with her partner, Frankie, and has four children and three grandchildren.

Diana previously worked as a senior center director in East Harlem and as constituent services director and deputy chief of staff to former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Diana Ayala currently serves as the deputy speaker of the New York City Council, representing District 8. She was first elected in 2017 and is in her second term.

As of May 6, 2025, Diana Ayala did not have a website or any information online.

Diana Ayala

Plans to create a syringe buy-back pilot program to reduce syringe litter.

Sponsored legislation that requires the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene to form a committee to develop a community-based plan to address the opioid epidemic.

Aims to reform the CityFHEPs program by eliminating the 90-day rule, expanding eligibility to more New Yorkers in need, and removing red tape to expedite the process.

Contest List

As of May 9, 2025, Diana Burgos did not have a website or any information online.

As of May 6, 2025, Diana Burgos did not have a website or any information online.

Diana Burgos

Believes in having diverse voices in the judiciary to reflect the community's needs and concerns.

Advocates for policies that support marginalized communities and ensure equitable access to justice.

Faheem earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information systems security and a master’s degree in cyber/computer forensics and counterterrorism from John Jay College. He lives in New York City.

Faheem currently works as the founder and executive director of Far Beyond Success, Inc. He also serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College and owns Earthquake Entertainment LLC. He previously worked as a facilities and IT manager at Playing to Win Inc. and as a technology lab coordinator at Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc.

Faheem Abdur-Razaaq’s campaign for delegate to the judicial convention in State Assembly District 68 is his first run for public office.

As of May 6, 2025, Faheem Abdur-Razaaq did not have a website or any information online.

Faheem Abdur-Razaaq

Meet James C.B Gray - Memphis Voyager

James has studied public policy analysis at the City University of New York and electoral activism at the City College of New York.

James is a civil rights activist, a film and television producer, an actor, a professional drummer, and an African-American historian.

James Gray has previously served as a judicial delegate and a county committeeman for the Democratic Party in New York.

Believes minority communities are adversely affected when attorneys who "don’t practice fair justice" are appointed as judges.

- Believes minority communities are adversely affected when attorneys who "don’t practice fair justice" are appointed as judges.

James Gray

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25 Precinct - NYPD

James studied at the College of New Rochelle. James is the president of the 1775 Houses Tenants Association and vice president of the New York Police Department 25th Precinct Community Council. He lives in Harlem. 

James Ratti is a community activist. He is currently retired. Previously, he worked as a property manager for several management companies. 

As of May 8, 2025, James Ratti did not have a website.

As of May 6, 2025, James Ratti did not have a website.

James Ratti

As of May 6, 2025, James Ratti’s website did not contain information on this issue.

John is a retired FDNY firefighter and armed forces veteran.

John Ruiz Miranda ran for State Assembly in District 68 in 2010, 2018, and 2022, but did not win.

As of May 6, 2025, John Ruiz Miranda’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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John Ruiz Miranda

Supports expanding educational support for children with disabilities.

Supports advocating for more housing and job opportunities for veterans.

Wants to preserve East Harlem's cultural identity by supporting local businesses and cultural institutions.

Supports investing in education, mentorship, and access to investors for small businesses.

Supports providing rent subsidies and eviction prevention services.

Plans to address crime by increasing surveillance in high-crime areas and collaborating with law enforcement and community leaders to provide tools for fighting crime.

Plans to advocate for the expansion of senior care, including safety initiatives, affordable housing, senior centers, and improved access to local businesses and public transportation.

Supports ending qualified immunity for police officers.

Supports stricter gun control measures, including banning assault weapons and ghost guns, implementing harsher penalties for gun possession, and conducting background checks.

Melissa Mark-Viverito - Wikipedia

Melissa is originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College. She lives in New York City.

Melissa currently works as president of the Hamilton Campaign Network. She previously worked as chief policy officer at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and as director of Power 4 Puerto Rico. Before her political career, she worked in nonprofit roles including as deputy director of ASPIRA.

Melissa Mark-Viverito previously served as a New York City Council Member for District 8 for 3 terms from 2006 to 2017. She also served as Speaker of the New York City Council from 2014 to 2017.

As Speaker, pushed for decriminalizing low-level offenses, resulting in a 90% drop in criminal court summonses.

- As Speaker, pushed for decriminalizing low-level offenses, resulting in a 90% drop in criminal court summonses.

Melissa Mark Viverito

As of May 8, 2025, Mildred Maneiro did not have a website or any information online.

As of May 6, 2025, Mildred Maneiro did not have a website or any information online.

Mildred Maneiro

Monisha earned an associate’s degree from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, a bachelor’s degree in applied math and statistics and economics from Stony Brook University, and a master’s degree in corporate compliance from Fordham University School of Law.

Monisha currently works as a vice president and compliance consultant at Wells Fargo Advisors. She previously worked as a vice president at J.P. Morgan, a senior branch examiner at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and held multiple roles in compliance, underwriting, and operations at CitiCapital, HIP, and other firms.

Monisha Mapp’s campaign for delegate to the judicial convention is her first run for public office.

As of May 6, 2025, Monisha Mapp did not have a website or any information online.

Monisha Mapp

Judge throws out Assembly member's lawsuit against Manhattan ...

Nina is from East Harlem. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the Metropolitan College of New York.

Nina currently works as the community affairs representative for Harlem and Washington Heights in the Office of the New York City Comptroller. She also serves as the female district leader for Part A of the 68th Assembly District, a party-elected position. She previously worked as a community liaison for Community Boards 9 and 10 in the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.

Nina Saxon’s campaign for delegate to the judicial convention is her first run for public office.

As of May 6, 2025, Nina Saxon did not have a website or any information online.

Nina Saxon

As of May 6, 2025, Nina Saxon’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Rafael earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in social science from Montclair State University.

Rafael currently works as president of Pan International and owner of Pan International Conference & Language Services. He previously worked as a program officer at the United Nations and interned at the Commission of the European Communities.

Rafael Rodriguez’s campaign for delegate to the judicial convention is his first run for public office.

As of May 6, 2025, Rafael Rodriguez did not have a website or any information online.

Rafael Rodriguez

Paul is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School.

Paul Reyes is an attorney, journalist, and television commentator.

As of May 8, 2025, Raul Reyes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes the use of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for immigration enforcement.

- Opposes the use of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for immigration enforcement.

Raul Reyes

As of May 6, 2025, Raul Reyes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Rosa is originally from Peru and immigrated to the United States in the early 2000s. She has been active in community service and advocacy work, particularly with immigrant families. She lives in East Harlem.

Rosa currently works as a bilingual paralegal for the Law Office of Terilli & Tintle. She previously worked as a community advocate with nonprofit organizations and coordinates the Cada Paso/Every Step Program in East Harlem.

Rosa Diaz’s campaign for Delegate to the Judicial Convention in State Assembly District 68 is her first run for public office. She is also currently running for New York City Council District 8.

As of May 6, 2025, Rosa Diaz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Rosa Diaz

As of May 8, 2025, Rosa Diaz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to bring back rent-to-own programs to help the community achieve "genuine socioeconomic empowerment."

Supports providing high-quality education for youth and parents regardless of economic, language, or special needs barriers.

Community Advisory Board - NYC Health + Hospitals

Teisha McKoy serves on the NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitcan Community Advisory Board. She lives in Manhattan.

As of May 10, 2025, Teisha McKoy did not have a website or any information online.

As of May 6, 2025, Teisha McKoy’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Teisha McKoy

As of May 6, 2025, Teisha McKoy did not have a website or any information online.

William earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government with a minor in management administration from the City College of New York. He lives in New York City.

William currently works as an investment associate. He previously worked as a compliance manager at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Small Business Development Program, manager of government affairs for the Transport Workers Union Local 100, policy analyst for the New York State Assembly Committee on Housing, and as a business analyst at Credit Suisse.

William Smith previously ran for election to the New York State Assembly to represent District 68 in 2024 but did not win.

As of May 6, 2025, William Smith did not have a website or any information online.

William Smith

As of May 6, 2025, William Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Judicial delegates, elected by Assembly Districts, serve a one-time role representing their district at a judicial convention to nominate State Supreme Court candidates.
- Candidates often run in groups backed by political parties, but voters can choose anyone, even from different groups. These groups usually show shared political beliefs.
- Picking these delegates gives political clubs and local leaders a big role in shaping who becomes a judge.

Nominates State Supreme Court candidates for your party.

This ballot may not list all local party officials on your official ballot. These individuals serve only within their political party and do not hold public office.