State
State Senator, 53rd District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 2 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator votes on New York laws and the state budget and confirms the Governor's appointments.
Covers Madison County, Oneida County, part of Chenango County and part of Herkimer County.
Taxes & budget
Mandi DrakeDemocratic, Working Families
- Supports higher taxes on the wealthiest and property tax relief.
Joseph A. GriffoRepublican, Conservative
No documented position found.
Education
Mandi DrakeDemocratic, Working Families
- Supports universal pre-K and affordable child care.
Joseph A. GriffoRepublican, Conservative
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Mandi DrakeDemocratic, Working Families
- Supports project labor agreements on public works and Micron projects.
Joseph A. GriffoRepublican, Conservative
- Led push that added 600-plus defense jobs at Griffiss.In office
Health & human services
Mandi DrakeDemocratic, Working Families
- Supports the New York Health Act (single-payer health care).
- Supports abortion rights.
Joseph A. GriffoRepublican, Conservative
- Voted against the Medical Aid in Dying Act (2025).In office
Government & transparency
Mandi DrakeDemocratic, Working Families
No documented position found.
Joseph A. GriffoRepublican, Conservative
- Voted against the 2026 redistricting constitutional amendment.In office
- Voted for the Democracy Preservation Act on election spending.In office
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; 5 issues covered in this race.