Far Rockaway’s Assemblywoman Amato Won’t Seek Reelection in 2026

Jewish Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, who represents the frum communities of Far Rockaway and South Queens, announced she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026.

Over the years, Assemblywoman Amato fought for the Jewish community in the State Assembly, securing an unprecedented increase in security grant funding for Shuls and Yeshivas.

She holds the recent distinction of having more bills signed into law than any other elected official in New York City.

Amato has been in office since defeating Alan Zwirn in 2016. In both 2022 and 2024, she narrowly beat GOP candidate Thomas Sullivan for the seat, which was widely reported by FrumNews. In 2024, she won by less than 2000 votes, and in 2022, she won by just 15 votes.

As of publication, no one stepped into the ring to run for Amato’s district.

“I love being in public service and representing the people of the 23rd Assembly District has been the honor of a lifetime,” Pheffer Amato said. “My team and I have built a seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year operation to make sure this district is well served and through that, I have had the joy of meeting with and delivering for thousands of our neighbors when they need help. But after 10 years in this position, it is time to move on and serve my community in other capacities.”

“This district is a pure snapshot of NYS: we are diverse, hardworking, big-hearted, and have…countless opinions on every topic. The people inspire me every day and have been the best part of this job. I am proud to be part of this wonderful community and proud of the work we have done together,” Amato said.