State Senator District 12 in State Senate District 12, New York

2026 Primary Election

• Steven Raga — NY State Senate District 12 in Queens, New York

  Steven Raga is the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature, assuming office on January 1, 2023. He was born and raised in Queens, New York. Raga earned a bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University, a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, and graduate degrees from Cornell University. His career includes serving as executive director for the nonprofit Woodside on the Move, chief of staff for former Assemblymember Brian Barnwell, and senior strategist for AARP. He founded Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) and has served on multiple boards and commissions, including Queens Community Board 2 and as a NY State Advisory Committee Member for the U.S. Federal Commission on Civil Rights.

• Paul Pogozelski — NY State Senate District 12 in Queens, New York

  Paul Pogozelski is a resident of Middle Village, Queens. For over 20 years, he owned and operated a trucking and logistics business. He is the president of the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association and the founder and president of the Middle Village Roller Hockey Association. Pogozelski has also been affiliated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as a Chaplain. He previously ran for New York City Council in District 30 in 2025.