New York State Assembly District 30 candidate surveys, 2022

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for New York State Assembly District 30 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Click here to see candidates and election results.
Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for New York State Assembly District 30

Steven Raga defeated Sean Lally in the general election for New York State Assembly District 30 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Steven Raga (D)	58.3	11,473
	Sean Lally (R / Medical Freedom Party)	41.5	8,169
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	28

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,670
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I will support your right to refuse any and all unnecessary medical interventions.

The constitution of the United States is the most important document this country has.

Bail refrom has got to go

Steven Raga (D)

Fair Housing

Public Safety

Support Our Small Businesses

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I am personally passionate about public health in such a way that the government doesn't get in the way of people having access to basic necessities like like food, water and shelter. When the government does provide the necessity as is the case with municipal water, school food, or homeless shelters it should take the utmost care to do it fairly so that no one feels they are being provided with a service they don't want.

Steven Raga (D)

Labor, Housing, Seniors, Immigration, Small Business, and Human Rights

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I look up to RFK Jr., a guy who works to improve communities domestically and abroad through the Riverkeeper program.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

They must not break laws and must treat their constituents with respect.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I worked on laying out my mom's friend's concrete floor, the contractor had a leg injury so he needed help with that.

Steven Raga (D)

Stockboy & Cashier at a neighborhood pharmacy; for 3 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

My favorite book is "1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus". It reframes pre-Columbian America as a place rich with culture, it explains how American Indians introduced the idea of using tissue to blow your nose, before that most Europeans had used and re-used hankerchiefs.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I have struggled to find stable employment, if I could provide New Yorkers with employment I could lift them into a better situation.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

I like them, they're more streamlined. They reduce the cost of running a government, something this administration desparately needs to do.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Steven Raga (D)

Although not necessary, it is absolutely beneficial. There should be as little "learning on the job" as possible when fighting for our friends and neighbors.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

Successful politicians know how to network and build on the ideas of fellow legislatures they agree with. It is through this process that truly great adminstrations have succeeded.

Steven Raga (D)

Of course. Legislators must develop coalitions to help push policy proposals across the finish line. Law makers have to work together to fight for all New Yorkers.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Steven Raga (D)

Labor, Health, Housing, Social Services, Environmental Conservation, Governmental Operations, and Small Business

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Steven Raga (D)

While canvassing door-to-door, I met a lady who

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Sean Lally (Republican, Medical Freedom)

Without a doubt politicians should have the right to revoke emergency powers, without executive approval.