Senate Candidate Alina Bonsell Challenges Incumbent in Manhattan District 28

Bonsell's Campaign Focuses on Safety, Economic Recovery, and Accountable Governance

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:05am

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Alina Bonsell, a healthcare professional and community advocate, is running for the New York State Senate in District 28, which covers Manhattan's East Side, Central Park South, and Roosevelt Island neighborhoods. Bonsell is challenging longtime incumbent Liz Krueger, and her campaign is centered on restoring safety, transparency, and economic vitality to the district.

Why it matters

This race in a heavily Democratic district highlights the growing movement of leaders focused on issues like public safety, economic recovery, and accountable governance, rather than traditional party lines. Bonsell's campaign message of "We Win Together" aims to unite the community around shared priorities, regardless of political affiliation.

The details

Bonsell says that under her leadership, the district would focus on putting the neighborhood, community, and East Side first. Her platform includes policies to support small businesses, provide targeted tax relief, and address public safety concerns. Bonsell has also been critical of what she sees as a socialist direction from the city's mayor, Mamdani, arguing that these policies are being imposed without enough consideration for their impact on neighborhoods and opportunity.

  • Bonsell announced her candidacy for the New York State Senate in District 28 in early 2026.
  • The election for the District 28 Senate seat is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Alina Bonsell

A healthcare professional and community advocate running for the New York State Senate in District 28, challenging longtime incumbent Liz Krueger.

Liz Krueger

The incumbent New York State Senator for District 28, which covers Manhattan's East Side, Central Park South, and Roosevelt Island neighborhoods.

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, whose policies Bonsell has criticized as pushing the city in a socialist direction without enough concern for their impact on neighborhoods and opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“'We win together' isn't just a slogan. At the end of the day, we all want the same basic things: safe streets, protected communities, opportunity for our families, and leadership that actually listens.”

— Alina Bonsell, Candidate for New York State Senate, District 28 (natlawreview.com)

“Safety is not partisan. Families want their children walking to school safely. Seniors want to feel comfortable in their neighborhoods. Businesses want streets where customers feel secure.”

— Alina Bonsell, Candidate for New York State Senate, District 28 (natlawreview.com)

What’s next

Bonsell's campaign will continue to focus on engaging with the diverse communities within District 28 and outlining her vision for the district. The election for the District 28 Senate seat is scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the growing importance of issues like public safety, economic recovery, and accountable governance in New York politics, as candidates like Alina Bonsell challenge traditional party lines to unite their communities around shared priorities.