Diana Moreno won the Feb. 3, 2026 special election for New York’s 36th Assembly District in Queens, succeeding Mayor Zohran Mamdani in Albany. The result gives Mamdani an early test of his influence as he balances governing City Hall with supporting allies in upcoming Democratic primaries.
Diana Moreno, a democratic socialist and community organizer, won Tuesday’s special election for New York State’s 36th Assembly District, which covers parts of Astoria and surrounding Queens neighborhoods.
Moreno was backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America chapter, and other allied groups, and campaigned as a continuation of Mamdani’s agenda in Albany. The seat opened after Mamdani left the Legislature to take office as mayor.
Local coverage of the race described Moreno’s victory as a comfortable one, with Mamdani appearing in the district on election night to welcome her as his successor. The Associated Press also called the contest for Moreno on election night.
The outcome comes as Mamdani and allied progressive groups look toward higher-stakes contests later in 2026, including crowded Democratic primaries for congressional seats. In those races, candidates aligned with the city’s left wing are expected to face better-funded opponents and more entrenched political organizations.
With state budget negotiations approaching and City Hall facing fiscal pressures, Mamdani’s ability to translate the coalition that powered his mayoral win into sustained influence beyond city elections is expected to be tested again in the months ahead.
