Election Q&A: Meet Upper East Side Candidate Rebecca Seawright

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Democratic candidate Rebecca Seawright is running for Assembly in District 76, which includes the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, in New York City's general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In November, Seawright will face off against Louis Puliafito, the Republican nominee.

Early voting runs Oct. 24–Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Ahead of the election, Patch asked Seawright several questions about her platform, priorities, experience, and district. See her replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received. None of what Seawright said during this interview has been fact-checked.

PATCH: What neighborhood are you from?

SEAWRIGHT: I’m proud to call Manhattan’s Upper East Side home. My children attended public school in the neighborhood where I was actively involved in their education, served as a PTA activist and on Community Board 8. I have had the privilege of representing our community in the State Assembly since 2015 and look forward to continuing to work toward making our neighborhood safer, more affordable, accessible, and a place where families of all generations can thrive.

PATCH: What languages do you speak?

SEAWRIGHT: English.

PATCH: What’s your professional and educational background?

SEAWRIGHT: I’m an attorney and serve as the chair of the Board of Visitors of the CUNY School of Law. Before joining the Assembly, I worked as an Assistant District Attorney. I previously provided legal counsel to small-business owners and budding entrepreneurs. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to public service, civil rights, education, affordable and accessible housing, and protecting older New Yorkers. I serve on The City University of New York Construction Fund, by appointment of the Assembly Speaker.

PATCH: Renter or owner?

SEAWRIGHT: Owner.

PATCH: The cost of living in NYC is going up. What’s your plan to make New York City more affordable?

SEAWRIGHT: New Yorkers must be able to afford to remain in the neighborhoods they call home. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I have advocated for New York City to implement expanded income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs, supporting legislation to raise the income limit to $75,000. These rent freeze programs help eligible older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. I will continue fighting to preserve affordable and accessible housing, strengthen tenant protections, and prevent displacement. Affordability also means access to healthcare without overwhelming out-of-pocket costs. When a constituent could not afford a prescribed 3-D mammogram, I authored legislation that became law, expanding coverage without copays or deductibles. I will continue advocating for accessible healthcare, support for caregivers, and services that help older adults live independently. Our office also provides free housing legal consultations and benefits assistance, helping residents address immediate problems and access the support they deserve.

PATCH: List two ways you plan to make New York City safer.

SEAWRIGHT: First, combat hate through accountability and education. After our own office experienced a hate crime, I authored legislation, now law, requiring anti-hate training for people convicted of hate crimes. I have also repeatedly secured funding for the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museum of Tolerance, bringing education about antisemitism, racism, and respect for others to communities across New York. I will continue building on this work so everyone feels safe and welcome in our neighborhoods.

Second, prevent gun violence and strengthen neighborhood safety. I will continue supporting measures to prevent gun violence and working with law enforcement, government agencies, and community organizations to address residents’ safety concerns. I will also advocate for millions of dollars in state funding for our parks, school recreation spaces, and other public spaces that support our quality of life, building on projects such as the P.S. 290 rooftop playspace I helped fund.

PATCH: What type of relationship will you have with the Trump administration?

SEAWRIGHT: I will continue to stand up to Donald Trump whenever his administration threatens the rights, freedoms, and well-being of New Yorkers. I will continue to fight against policies that target immigrant families, undermine reproductive freedom, weaken environmental protections, or make life less affordable for working families. Our community deserves a representative who will not back down when our values and rights are under attack. We must hold the Trump administration accountable, putting New Yorkers and the Constitution first.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidate(s)?

SEAWRIGHT: I bring a record of experience, accessibility, and results for the community. Our highly regarded community office is well-known for its responsive and leading constituent services. As an attorney, former PTA activist, and now as Chair of the Assembly’s Aging Committee, I understand the importance of listening to families and delivering meaningful results. I have fought for affordable and accessible housing, stronger public schools, protections for older adults, disability rights, and equal rights for all New Yorkers. I believe leadership means showing up, listening to constituents, and turning their concerns into action. I will continue working each and every day to make our community — the Upper Eastside, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island — the best possible neighborhoods for our families.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.