State

Member of Assembly, 9th District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A member of the Assembly votes on New York laws and the state budget in the State Assembly.

Covers part of Nassau County and part of Suffolk County.

Candidates Compare by issue

Christopher J. Walis

Democratic

Assistant store manager

The gist

Supports creating more affordable housing on Long Island.
Supports ending local contracts with ICE, such as Islip's.
Proposes legislation against groundwater contamination like the Grumman plume.
Opposes school board restrictions targeting transgender students.

More about Christopher

View sources (1)

Supports creating more affordable housing on Long Island.
Issues — Walis for Assembly 2026
Campaign website · walisforassembly09.com
“Creating affordable housing is not only important, but absolutely a must.”
Supports ending local contracts with ICE, such as Islip's.
Issues — Walis for Assembly 2026
Campaign website · walisforassembly09.com
“Ending contracts like the Islip Township's contract with ICE is one of the key ways to start this protection.”
Proposes legislation against groundwater contamination like the Grumman plume.
Issues — Walis for Assembly 2026
Campaign website · walisforassembly09.com
“I plan to prevent contamination of our water supply by toxic plumes like the Grumman Groundwater Plume”
Opposes school board restrictions targeting transgender students.
Issues — Walis for Assembly 2026
Campaign website · walisforassembly09.com
“I will also protect Trans youth from being attacked by elected officials.”

Michael A. Durso

Republican, ConservativeIncumbent

Member of Assembly

The gist

Sponsored Connor's Law requiring cardiac screening for school athletes.In office
Sponsored a bill for LIRR fare refunds on canceled trains.In office
Sponsored a bill requiring photo ID to vote.In office
Supports speeding up repair of the Fire Island Inlet Bridge.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Michael

View sources (3)

Sponsored Connor's Law requiring cardiac screening for school athletes.
Assemblyman Durso Announces “Connor’s Law” In Memory of Fallen Athlete
Public statement · New York State Assembly · Jun 4, 2025 · nyassembly.gov
“requiring yearly cardiac fitness certificates including electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram as part of the mandatory sports physical for interscholastic athletes”
Sponsored a bill for LIRR fare refunds on canceled trains.
Sponsored legislation: Assemblymember Michael Durso
Government record · New York State Assembly · nyassembly.gov
“implement a fare refund program for canceled or delayed Long Island Rail Road trains”
Sponsored a bill requiring photo ID to vote.
Sponsored legislation: Assemblymember Michael Durso
Government record · New York State Assembly · nyassembly.gov
“Relates to providing valid government issued photo identification when casting a ballot”
Supports speeding up repair of the Fire Island Inlet Bridge.
Disturbing Viral Video Leads Assemblymen Durso and Gandolfo to Demand Swift Action by NYSDOT on Fire Island Inlet Bridge
Public statement · New York State Assembly · Feb 24, 2026 · nyassembly.gov
“NYSDOT needs to expedite a full repair instead of relying on short-term fixes for two years”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.