Paula Collins

Paula Collins

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House New York District 21

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

Baton Rouge High School

Bachelor's

Louisiana State University

Graduate

University of Houston

Law

Brooklyn Law School

Personal

Birthplace

Baton Rouge, La.

Religion

Roman Catholic

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Paula Collins (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 21st Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Paula Collins was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Collins' career experience includes working as an attorney, classical pianist, license special education teacher, and adjunct professor. She earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, a graduate degree from the University of Houston, and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.

Collins has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• Legal Committee of NORML
• Ethics Committee of Int'l Cannabis Bar Association
• NY City Bar Assoc Chamber Music Committee

Elections

2026

See also: New York's 21st Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House New York District 21

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House New York District 21 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Elise Stefanik (R)
		Paula Collins (D)
	Submit photo	Blake Gendebien (D)
		Maylon Haller (D)
	Submit photo	Andrew Henson (D)
	Submit photo	Dylan Hewitt (D)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Steven Holden (D)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

See also: New York's 21st Congressional District election, 2024

New York's 21st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

New York's 21st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 21

Incumbent Elise Stefanik defeated Paula Collins and Scott Phillip Lewis in the general election for U.S. House New York District 21 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elise Stefanik (R / Conservative Party)	62.0	215,996
		Paula Collins (D / Working Families Party)	38.0	132,447
		Scott Phillip Lewis (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	197

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 348,640
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Paula Collins advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 21.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Steven Holden (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elise Stefanik advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 21.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jill Lochner (R)

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elise Stefanik advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 21.

Working Families Party primary election

The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Paula Collins advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 21.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Brian Rouleau (Working Families Party)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Collins in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Paula Collins has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Paula Collins, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask Paula Collins to fill out this survey by using the button below.

2024

Paula Collins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Collins' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Cannabis Tax Attorney and a property owner in Rensselaer County, New York. I am a Democrat, seeking to represent the people who have been left behind due to partisan politics. The voters of NY-21 need to have representation on immigration, artificial intelligence, the farm bill, and mitigation of climate change. Our current representative is far too busy pursuing her personal ambitions to advance meaningful legislation on issues that matter to the average person.

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?

• Immigration and the chaos at the southern border has now reached New York's North Country counties, as immigrants seek to cross into our country through Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, and Jefferson counties. We need enforcement, but more importantly, we need an immigration policy that provides a pathway for legal entry. We haven't had significant immigration reform bill since 1986. While Congress is busy fighting within their committees for partisan issues, our country's borders are being overrun and our communities are forever changed. We need significant immigration reform that works, and it's up to Congress to do it!
• Artificial intelligence is interwoven into our daily lives. We need Congress to develop sensible policies now, rather that sitting back and waiting to see how the technology develops, as they did with social media. In the ever advancing wave of artificial intelligence in our society, we need to make sure our personal data is secure from predators. We need to make sure that we maintain control over our likeness and images. And we need to make sure that AI-guided technology, such as driverless vehicles and equipment, remain under human control, rather than taking on a life of their own.
• If you ate today, thank a farmer. But you better hurry, because the farmers are going broke and moving to the suburbs. The 2018 Farm Bill had to be extended because our congressional representatives were too busy pursuing partisan issues to pass a 2023 Farm Bill that provided things like price loss coverage, agriculture risk coverage, and full transparency in milk checks. And we need for Congress to demand full support for the Milk Check Transparency Report.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply concerned about the health of our democracy. I cannot sit idly by while the party of Ronald Reagan romances Russia. I also can't sit idly by while our representative democracy ceases to either represent or be democratic. Let's send people to Congress who are committed to doing the work of the people -- not the work of their political party.

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

I look up to the combined efforts of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who showed us that a country that was in a devastating financial crisis could transfer power peacefully and in full exercise of statesmanship. Though they were politically very different at the time, they formed a friendship that has endured to this day. In light of recent polarized politics, I reminisce over how simple and civil those gentleman seem now.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would suggest that someone who wants to understand my political philosophy should read the United States Constitution.

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

I value elected officials who work collaboratively to gather information and opinion from all constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a listener. I am collaborative. And I am a democrat who believes that elected officials are sent to office to do the work of the people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe it is the core responsibility for Congressional representatives to remember the people who sent them to Washington DC.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be a part of a Congress that turns the tide on partisan politics and reverts to our true mission: to serve the people of the United States of America.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember when the next-door-neighbor barged in through the back door and said to my mother, "They shot Bobby," meaning Bobby Kennedy. I remember my mother's horrified and frightened expression. I knew it would be bad. My dad worked at the Louisiana State capitol, and we were worried about rioting impeding his commute home. About a year later, I remember when the astronauts walked on the moon. I was in a Head Start kindergarten program for the summer, and the teacher wheeled in a television for all of us to watch. For many years after that, I was obsessed with the idea of becoming an astronaut.

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

My very first job was at a dime store in my neighborhood called TG&Y. My job was to run the fabric department, which involved inventory control as well as customer service. I held the job for a year, until I got busy with extra-curricular activities.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I love the crime novels of John Grisham. They are informative, the characters are interesting, and they are entertaining.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"I'm a Survivor", by Destiny's Child.

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

I have always struggled financially. I was born in a large working-class family, and to this day find that I have to be careful with every dime that I earn or spend.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique in that each Congressional District is drawn to be approximately equal with others. Currently, the districts are drawn according to population centers of approximately 770,000 people. The opportunity exists for there to be the closest form of representative democracy --"of the People, by the People, and for the People."

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that every voter who has been attentive to government is qualified to serve in elected office.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I believe that immigration is the single biggest issue facing the US over the next decade, followed closely by climate change, and artificial intelligence.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that two years is too short of a term length for representatives, since the net result is that a representative is always campaigning for the next race.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are vital to the health of our democracy. We should not have career politicians who languish in their positions for decades.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I would model myself on Representatives Jerry Nadler, Adam Schiff, and Liz Cheney, who each, in their own ways, demonstrated courage in the face of adversity.

Both sitting representatives 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?

I hear small business owners and farmers in my district who are working full time at their businesses while also working two part time jobs -- and they still aren't making ends meet. I hear parents who are scared about social media and the impact it has on their children. I hear farmers talk about going to their barns in the morning to find immigrant families who sought shelter during the night. The farmer is torn -- should they protect this family potentially putting their own lives at risk, or should they they turn the family into Homeland Security.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is absolutely necessary and desirable for policy making. However, compromise goes both ways, and requires willing participants on both sides of an issue. Compromise cannot be based in steadfast declarations, such as Mitch McConnell's famous "no compromise" oath that he took when Obama became president, but must be based in statesmanship and democratic values.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

As a tax attorney, I am very aware of the government's need to raise revenue. Most Americans would be OK with taxation if they understood how those dollars are spent and how they are funneled back to our communities. But communication is key to this, and that communication should not be muddied by partisan politics.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The US House should use its investigative powers for ethics probes, or matters of national security. The investigative powers should not be a tit-for-tat probe designed to generate headlines or hysteria amongst the voters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

What committees interest you?

I am interested in the Agriculture Committee, since that is the way to maximize my representation for the voters of NY-21. I am also interested in the Small Business Committee and Ways and Means, since the economies of every day Americans are influenced by the discussions and bills that emerge from those committees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability has, regrettably, gone out of fashion. The Farm Bill champions the need for fiscal transparency for farm investment and distribution funds. So too do we need full transparency in reporting and in appropriations. For too long, good ideas have gone unfunded because the only way they could get passed was to be buried in an omnibus bill. The net effect, is that good, grassroots ideas either don't get passed, or they get lost in congressional dealmaking. We need lawmakers who have the courage and the stamina to champion the issues that represent the values of their constituents instead of selling the issues in a swap and trade environment that means nobody gets what they want.

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.

Campaign website

Collins' campaign website stated the following:

“	Democracy Democracy is at stake in the November 2024 election. The former president has said that he will dismantle our federal government agencies, and will not stand in the way of advancements planned by Putin. A vote for the Republican ticket this year is a vote to end our government as we know it. Internet Accessibility Many parts of NY-21 don't even have internet access. We need to bring all parts of NY-21 into the 21st century! Congress has promised. It's time to make Congress deliver. Equal Rights for All The New York Equal Rights Amendment is on the ballot in November. Vote for the party that supports and protects YOUR rights! "No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, or religion, creed or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law." In the congressional race, voters need to know that Republicans are engaged in an all-out culture war to limit and deprive women's access to health care and reproductive rights. It's not just about women, it's about everyone. Watch The Condom Ad here. Immigration The home of the free and the land of the brave needs to have a sensible immigration policy. We don't want waves of migrants in our streets, but we need help from Congress for sheltering, feeding, and schools for families of immigrants who find their way to our communities. Artificial Intelligence We need the Government to reign in the ultra-fast growth of AI so that our jobs are safe. AI should make our lives better with its tremendous technological enhancements. But along with that tech, we need to know that our jobs are safe, and our children don't become targets of improper duplication of their images. Small Farms America relies on small farms for food security. If you ate today, thank a farmer. Congress needs to pass legislation that supports NY-21's farmers' financially. Small Businesses Low- or no-interest loans for small businesses -- these are vital for adding peace of mind or important financial support to NY-21's small business owners. Far-Right Politics All of us look to our leaders for inspiration. But far-right Republicans have gone way beyond the values and rhetoric of Ronald Reagan and George Bush. And there is simply no excuse for what happened in our nation's Capitol on January 6, 2021.	”
—Paula Collins' campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Paula Collins campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House New York District 21	Candidacy Declared general	$13,513	$14,268
2024*	U.S. House New York District 21	Lost general	$149,174	$54,290
Grand total			$162,687	$68,558
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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Footnotes

[show]

New York's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Kirsten Gillibrand (D)

Chuck Schumer (D)

Representatives

District 1

Nicholas LaLota (R)

District 2

Andrew Garbarino (R)

District 3

Tom Suozzi (D)

District 4

Laura Gillen (D)

District 5

Gregory Meeks (D)

District 6

Grace Meng (D)

District 7

Nydia Velazquez (D)

District 8

Hakeem Jeffries (D)

District 9

Yvette Clarke (D)

District 10

Daniel Goldman (D)

District 11

Nicole Malliotakis (R)

District 12

Jerrold Nadler (D)

District 13

Adriano Espaillat (D)

District 14

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D)

District 15

Ritchie Torres (D)

District 16

George Latimer (D)

District 17

Michael Lawler (R)

District 18

Pat Ryan (D)

District 19

Josh Riley (D)

District 20

Paul Tonko (D)

District 21

Elise Stefanik (R)

District 22

John Mannion (D)

District 23

Nick Langworthy (R)

District 24

Claudia Tenney (R)

District 25

Joseph Morelle (D)

District 26

Tim Kennedy (D)

Democratic Party (21)

Republican Party (7)