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Maurice Brown, a member of the Onondaga County Legislature, is contemplating a run for the New York State Assembly's 129th District seat in 2026. Brown, who represents the 15th District in the county legislature, has filed paperwork with the state Board of Elections, allowing him to raise funds for a potential Democratic primary against Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli. Magnarelli, a Syracuse Democrat, has held the Assembly seat since 1998 and plans to seek a 15th term.
Brown, 33, is a progressive activist and Army veteran. He has previously worked on political campaigns, including those for Bernie Sanders and Anna Kelles. Brown is considering the run because he wants to bring a more direct leadership style to the Assembly, focusing on issues such as childcare, healthcare, and housing. "We need someone who is going to fight," Brown told Central Current.
Brown's decision will depend on whether he receives the Working Families Party designation and if he can raise enough money for a primary. He has expressed no fundamental disagreements with Magnarelli but believes he can be more outspoken on key issues. Magnarelli, who chairs the Assembly's Transportation Committee, was unopposed in his last election in 2024.
The 129th District includes parts of Syracuse and surrounding areas. Brown's potential candidacy comes as the county legislature transitions to four-year terms, a change approved by voters. If Brown runs for the Assembly, he would not seek reelection to the county legislature.