Gianaris will not run for reelection

State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris announced on Monday that he will not run for reelection and will instead retire at the end of the year. Gianaris is currently the second-most powerful Democrat in the state Senate, behind only Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

“After more than 25 years representing the people of western Queens in the Senate and Assembly, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026,” Gianaris said in a statement posted on X. “Serving as Deputy Leader of the State Senate's largest-ever majority, and as the highest-ranking Senator from New York City for the past eight years, has been more rewarding than I could have possibly imagined.”

“While the State Senate’s future is in good hands with the current members of the Democratic conference, it is time for me to embrace a new role as the best father I can be,” he added. Gianaris married his second wife in December 2022 and has a 2-year-old daughter, as well as an 11-year-old from his wife's previous relationship.

Gianaris replied with his newly released statement on X when asked for comment. His decision not to run for reelection was first reported by NY1. 

Gianaris represents Senate District 12, which covers much of western Queens, including parts of Astoria, Woodside, Sunnyside, Elmhurst and Ridgewood. It’s a left-leaning district where Zohran Mamdani won 65% of the first round vote in the Democratic mayoral primary last year. Members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter will almost certainly eye the seat, though time will tell whether the organization formally endorses a candidate in a busy primary season with numerous contested races. Gianaris has been a close ally to socialist politicians, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, but was not himself a DSA member.

Gianaris was considered a contender to succeed Stewart-Cousins as majority leader. His retirement from the Senate clears the path for state Sen. Jamaal Bailey to take over leadership when Stewart-Cousins leaves the position. Bailey didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Stewart-Cousins said the news will be addressed at the leader’s weekly press conference in Albany Tuesday.