NY-12 Democratic nominee?
$1.0M
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleCouncil Member
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationNew York
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationNorthwestern University School of Law (J.D.)
Notable personal detailsJulie Lauren Menin is an American politician serving as Speaker of the New York City Council and representing Manhattan’s 5th Council District (Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island) since January 2022. She was elected Speaker on 2026-01-07. Menin has also served in New York City government as Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs (now DCWP) and as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and led New York City’s 2020 Census effort.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate opposes raising local/state taxes to close budget gaps and emphasizes finding savings, reducing costs, and rooting out waste; she has promoted measures to help low-income households keep more of their earnings (EITC outreach) and to reduce burdens and fines on small businesses.
Healthcare
Supports government actions to increase access and lower health care costs, including creating an Office of Healthcare Accountability, price-transparency measures for hospitals, and codifying reproductive health rights. Focuses on reducing excessive prices and advancing public programs that expand access to care in New York City.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protecting immigrant New Yorkers from federal immigration overreach, advancing city actions to prevent immigration services fraud, and promoting immigrant inclusion as a core city value. Emphasizes defending immigrants’ rights and public-safety/consumer protections for immigrant communities while working through city oversight and legislation.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports codifying the right to reproductive health care and positioning New York City as a safe haven for abortion access; opposes bans that restrict abortion and has backed legislative measures to expand and fund reproductive health services.
Climate & Energy
Supports reducing emissions and advancing clean energy and resiliency measures at the city level, including actions to phase out heavier fuel oils, expand solar pilot programs, strengthen Local Law 97 implementation, and increase penalties for vehicle idling to improve air quality. Advocates for more resilient infrastructure and increased funding for public housing and water infrastructure to address climate impacts and environmental justice.
Public Safety & Guns
Julie Menin supports stronger gun safety measures including enforcing background checks, holding sellers accountable for illegal gun sales, and has called for a ban on assault weapons while advancing public-safety measures to protect communities and institutions.
News
Julie Menin is running in New York’s 12th Congressional District and has been part of the campaign debate over AI policy, digital literacy, broadband, data centers, and worker protections. Recent coverage also highlights her criticism of Super PAC spending and outside money in politics, including AI-linked groups pouring money into 2026 races. The race is still active, with primary coverage focused on Manhattan Democratic contests and the broader fight over who will advance to the general election.
Your Vote 2026: District 12: What’s Next for Aging New Yorkers? Contenders Answer - Tech/AI
Money Is Politics Is Killing America
West Side Dems Host NY-12 Candidate Forum Thursday
‘I got crushed’: AI giants are funding ad wars in congressional races across the country
Endorsements
Endorsers of Julie Menin for NY-12 Democratic nominee?
StreetsPAC
Public endorsement
StreetsPAC endorsed Julie Menin in a slate of New York City statehouse-related endorsements.
Grace Lee for NYC endorsements page
Public endorsement
Grace Lee for NYC lists Julie Menin among its endorsements.
two NYC labor unions
Elected official
Two NYC labor unions endorsed Julie Menin for City Council speaker.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising