Candidate Profile 2024: Dana Levenberg Seeks Return To NYS Assembly

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — In 2024's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for federal, state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the region's contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Incumbent Dana Levenberg has represented New York’s 95th Assembly District since 2023. She will face off against Republican challenger Michael Capalbo in the general election in November.

Name
Dana Levenberg

Town of residence
Ossining, NY

Education
Brown University

Age
59

Occupation
Member, New York State Assembly (incumbent)

Campaign website, social media
www.danaforassembly.com; @dana4assembly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X

Why are you seeking this office?
My mission as a legislator is to build healthy communities in every sense of the word - environmentally healthy, physically and mentally healthy, all through the lens of equity. The Hudson Valley is a beautiful place, and I want all residents of the 95th Assembly District to be able to thrive here.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Like my fellow Democrats on the ticket this year, I am working to build an economy that works for everyone, including Mother Earth, and protect the progress we’ve made toward freedom and justice for all. I will continue to protect our personal and civil rights, including reproductive freedom. I will also continue working to find innovative solutions to problems rather than using them to create anger and fear for political gain. I am an experienced and accomplished public servant, and I am endorsed by dozens of organizations in recognition of the work I have done in the Assembly. You can see a full list of my endorsements on my website, danaforassembly.com/endorsements.

What other issues are you addressing during your campaign?
My top priorities are making New York more affordable for working and middle-class households, helping us to combat and adapt to climate change, and protecting our personal and civil rights from right-wing MAGA extremism.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am among the most productive first-term legislators in the Assembly this term, having passed more prime-sponsored legislation in my first year than any of the other first-year members. In addition to passing laws to support municipal priorities and protect natural assets like the Hudson River, I have also secured substantial amounts of money for our district over the past two years. Most recently, during this year’s budget negotiations, my colleagues and I fought to protect school funding and won, enabling me to deliver nearly $247 million in state aid to our schools, an increase of more than 5% over last year. I have also distributed more than $7.5 million in grant funding for programs all around the district, and helped secure more than $70 million in funding for critical infrastructure projects, including the repaving and modernization of Route 9A. My experience as a town supervisor, school board trustee, and Assembly staffer has given me the knowledge and relationships to be an effective legislator and deliver results such as these.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My grandmother always said, “A ‘no’ you have, a ‘yes’ you can get.” Meaning, it never hurts to ask for something! This mantra is especially helpful in getting additional funding for local priorities, as I can personally attest!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
You can learn more about me and my record at my campaign website, www.danaforassembly.com, and also the Assembly website (https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Dana-Levenberg). I am @dana4assembly and @amdanalevenberg on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X.