Layla Law-Gisiko eyes second Assembly run

Layla Law-Gisiko, a Democratic district leader for Assembly District 75, has filed to make a second run to represent the midtown Manhattan district, state campaign finance records show.

Law-Gisiko confirmed to City & State that she is exploring a run for the seat, which is currently held by Assembly Member Tony Simone. Minutes after speaking with City & State, Law-Gisiko sent out an email blast announcing her aspirations, which included a link to donate to her campaign.

Law-Gisiko, president of good government group the City Club of New York, previously ran for the seat back in 2022, coming in second to Simone in the crowded primary to replace longtime Assembly Member Richard Gottfried ahead of his retirement.

But things have changed since 2022. Simone is now eyeing a move to the state Senate, as Brad Hoylman-Sigal – whose district overlaps with Simone’s – is poised to become Manhattan’s next borough president, leaving his seat vacant. Both seats are part of an upcoming game of musical chairs in Albany that has developed in light of Rep. Jerry Nadler’s recently announced retirement and this summer’s municipal primaries, including Assembly Member Harvey Epstein’s seat as well as Hoylman-Sigal’s. 

“There's a lot of movement on the West Side,” Law-Gisiko told City & State. “As a public servant, I think that 2026 will present potential opportunities that I should pursue to better serve my community.” 

Law-Gisiko is the only candidate to file to run for the seat thus far; Simone has not filed for any office for the 2026 cycle yet. Simone said he was aware of Law-Gisiko’s filing, but had not spoken with her about it. 

Simone told City & State that he has not yet spoken with Law-Gisiko about her plans and still plans to run for reelection. “I look forward to next year's campaign, whatever opportunity comes, but I'm running for reelection, first of all,” he said. 

Simone may not have the option to run for state Senate next year. If Hoylman-Sigal leaves the Legislature, his seat would be filled in a special election. That means the Democratic nominee would be selected by the county committee rather than through a primary – and Simone’s more senior colleague, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, has also expressed interest in the seat. 

“I’m friends with Linda Rosenthal,” Simone said. “If she wants the state Senate seat, she probably will get the state Senate seat, but I am interested in it, if it's to open up.” If  Rosenthal were to win the special election, he later added, he would not challenge her in the subsequent June primary. 

Annie McDonough contributed reporting.