Dr. Larry He
Democratic · Candidate for New York State Senate · District 17 — South Brooklyn — NY
Neighbor · Common-sense Democrat · District Leader · First-generation immigrant · Chief of Staff to Assemblyman William Colton
About Larry
Dr. Larry He is a Democratic candidate for New York State Senate District 17 in South Brooklyn. A neighbor, District Leader, and first-generation immigrant, he is running on a platform of safer and cleaner neighborhoods, high-quality schools, affordable living, and policies that help small businesses and families thrive. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman William Colton, connecting residents with food pantries, neighborhood cleanups, senior services, legal assistance, immigration support, and aid for small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Communities: South Brooklyn · Senate District 17
Office
New York State Senate
District
District 17 — South Brooklyn — NY
Party
Democratic
State
NY
Status
Challenger
Election
Tue, November 3, 2026
Running for New York State Senate
New York State Senate · District 17 — South Brooklyn — NY
A New York State Senator represents a Senate District in Albany, votes on state laws and the budget, and confirms certain appointments.
- One of 63 seats in the New York State Senate (the upper house).
- Must agree with the Assembly (and usually the Governor) for bills to become law.
- Plays a major role in statewide budget and policy negotiations.
What this office can do
- Pass or block state legislation with the Assembly and Governor.
- Shape the state budget and major funding formulas.
- Confirm certain gubernatorial appointments.
- Conduct oversight of state agencies.
What this office cannot do alone
- Change federal law or run federal agencies.
- Directly set municipal budgets or local zoning ordinances alone.
- Issue individual court rulings.
Term: 2 years · Level: State · WhyIVote civic explanation — not a campaign claim.
Why I'm Running
Dr. Larry He is running for New York State Senate District 17 to fight for safer, cleaner neighborhoods, high-quality schools, affordable living, and policies that help small businesses and families thrive across South Brooklyn. Drawing on his work as a District Leader and as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman William Colton, he focuses on bringing practical services and constituent support into the community and carrying that approach to Albany.
Personal Background
Civic experience and community roles
Dr. Larry He is a South Brooklyn neighbor, a common-sense Democrat, and a District Leader who works with residents every day. As a first-generation immigrant, he emphasizes shared community values and practical help for families.
As Chief of Staff to Assemblyman William Colton, Dr. He helps bring essential services into local neighborhoods — including food pantries, neighborhood cleanups, senior services, legal assistance, immigration support, and support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. His campaign highlights this hands-on constituent work as the foundation of his public service.
He is seeking election to the New York State Senate for District 17 in the November 3, 2026 general election, advancing through the Democratic nomination process for that race.
- Chief of Staff to Assemblyman William Colton
- District Leader
- First-generation immigrant and South Brooklyn neighbor
- Community service: food pantries, neighborhood cleanups, senior services
- Constituent support: legal assistance, immigration support, small-business and nonprofit aid
- Democratic candidate for NY State Senate District 17 (2026)
Policy
Positions from approved or publicly sourced campaign materials
Small businesses
Publicly sourced informationSupport neighborhood small businesses and commercial corridors in Senate District 17. Work to improve conditions for local storefronts and give the smallest businesses a fair shot to grow and stay in the community.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Package security
Publicly sourced informationExpand secure package delivery options for South Brooklyn residents, especially in apartment buildings, so neighbors have a safe and reliable place to receive what they ordered.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Education
Publicly sourced informationExpand equal access to a strong education. Support a school system that meets South Brooklyn students where they live and gives every child a real opportunity to succeed.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Seniors
Publicly sourced informationStrengthen services for seniors who have long contributed to the community, so older neighbors receive the support and resources they have earned.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Cleanliness & public safety
Publicly sourced informationInvest in cleaner streets and stronger neighborhood quality of life, pairing community investment with opportunities for young people.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Transit
Publicly sourced informationImprove reliability and service on the D and N subway lines that South Brooklyn commuters depend on every day.
Campaign platform — larryhe.com/platformUpdated 2026-08-11
Affordable living & families
Publicly sourced informationAdvance policies that support affordable living and help families thrive in South Brooklyn neighborhoods.
About page — larryhe.com/aboutUpdated 2026-08-11
Community services
Publicly sourced informationContinue expanding access to neighborhood services such as food pantries, senior programs, legal and immigration assistance, and support for small businesses and nonprofits.
About page — larryhe.com/aboutUpdated 2026-08-11
Endorsements
Listed on the campaign website
William Colton
Assemblyman
New York State Assembly
Susan Zhuang
Council Member
New York City Council
Source: campaign endorsements page · publicly sourced
Videos & Interviews
Campaign videos in 粵語
Sources
Public links used for this profile. WhyIVote does not invent candidate positions.
Opponents
Other candidates in this race