BREAKING: Former congressional candidate Adem Bunkeddeko has officially announced his candidacy for New York State Comptroller in the upcoming 2026 election. This declaration adds to the growing list of Democrats challenging incumbent Tom DiNapoli, who has held the position since 2007.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Bunkeddeko emphasized the need for change, saying, “For too long, the Comptroller’s office has been on the sidelines – and New Yorkers have paid the price.” His announcement signals a growing urgency for accountability and reform within the state’s financial oversight.
Bunkeddeko, a resident of Brooklyn, shared his vision in a compelling YouTube video, outlining key priorities that include:
– Auditing the Metropolitan Transportation Agency to ensure efficient use of funds.
– Expanding state housing access vouchers to assist families in need.
– Investing in clean energy and infrastructure to stimulate economic growth in upstate New York.
This marks Bunkeddeko’s third run for public office; he previously challenged Rep. Yvette Clarke in New York’s 9th Congressional District during the 2018 and 2020 elections, where he narrowly lost the first time and finished second in a five-way race the next.
He now joins a competitive Democratic field that includes Drew Warshaw, a former assistant secretary under Governor Eliot Spitzer, and Raj Goyle, an entrepreneur and attorney. On the Republican side, Joseph Hernandez, a biotech entrepreneur and Cuban American immigrant, is vying for the nomination as well.
As New Yorkers prepare for this heated campaign, the stakes have never been higher, with DiNapoli representing the longest-serving non-congressional statewide officeholder. His incumbency is now facing significant challenges, as voters demand a proactive approach from their leaders.
Bunkeddeko’s campaign is expected to resonate with those seeking transparency and innovation in state governance. The urgency for reform in the Comptroller’s office is palpable, and Bunkeddeko’s message of accountability and progress could galvanize support.
What happens next? As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates’ campaigns, especially their responses to pressing issues affecting New York residents. The growing competition indicates that voters will have a clear choice in the upcoming election, making this a pivotal moment for the future of the state’s financial leadership.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
