Osina launches campaign with Pheffer Amato’s backing
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Pesach Osina launched a campaign for Assembly District 23 on Tuesday, with the support of outgoing incumbent Stacey Pheffer Amato. Photo via Red Horse Strategies
By Ryan Schwach
Pesach Osina, a longtime political staffer and former City Council candidate, officially launched his bid for State Assembly on Tuesday, with the support of the outgoing incumbent.
Osina, a Democrat who filed weeks ago for District 23, is running with the blessing of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, who announced last year that she will not be running for reelection.
“I’ve worked hand in hand with Pesach over the last decade and know he will show up and deliver for our community,” Pheffer Amato said in a statement. “Pesach will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community.”
“In challenging times like these we need a leader who knows how to cut through the noise and focus on what's really important,” she added.
Osina has worked in a number of New York City government offices, serving in the City Council, the comptroller’s office and as an Adams’ appointee to the city Commission on Racial Equity.
“In these roles, I wasn’t focused on titles — I was focused on people," he said in a statement. “I listened, I educated, I advocated, and I helped residents navigate government so they could get real, meaningful results. With so much uncertainty, we need elected leaders who understand how to make government work for working people. That’s what I’ve done my whole career and that’s how I’ll deliver for our communities as our next assemblymember.”
He added he is running “not for a title, but to serve, to lead with humility,”
"Our communities need a leader who understands the issues on the ground, and can build coalitions across neighborhoods,” he said. In a divided city, I will be that bridge - bringing resources, attention, and action to every corner of the district—so that all communities are seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
Osina is currently set up for a June Democratic Primary against local attorney Mike Scala, who also ran for the City Council unsuccessfully in 2021 in the adjacent district.
"We stand by our message that we have the strongest candidacy and are best suited to serve the entire district,” said a Scala campaign spokesperson. “Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato has earned our respect for her public service and the legislation she passed during her time in Albany. But looking ahead, Mike Scala is the most qualified candidate to represent all of our neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong support we've earned throughout the 23rd Assembly District."
Whoever wins the Democratic primary is likely to face off against Republican Thomas Sullivan, a perennial candidate who lost to Pheffer Amato in the last two elections. Sullivan only lost to Pheffer Amato by 15 votes in 2022.
Sullivan has yet to file for the 2026 election, but has indicated his intention to run.
Pheffer Amato, the daughter of former assemblymember and current Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer, announced in November she would not be running for reelection after eight years in office.
