Michael DeCillis Wins Democratic Primary To Challenge Rep. Malliotakis
Michael DeCillis won the Democratic primary for New York's 11th Congressional District on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, setting up a fall challenge to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.[1]
DeCillis received 4,130 votes (62.7%) to Allison Ziogas's 2,366 votes (35.9%) in partial reported results, with 6,584 total ballots tallied.[1] He is a former EMT, NYPD officer, 9/11 first responder and special education teacher with deep Staten Island roots.[1]
Michael DeCillis announced his 2026 candidacy on March 2, 2026, citing Malliotakis's alignment with President Trump. Nicole Malliotakis defeated Max Rose in 2020 and won re-election in 2024 by 63.8% to 35.8% over Democrat Andrea Morse. A state judge ruled on January 21, 2026 that the 11th District map unlawfully diluted Black and Latino voting power and ordered a redraw. An appeals court affirmed that order in February, but the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the ruling on March 2, 2026 and preserved the existing lines for 2026.
The mainstream summary does not mention the significant partisan context surrounding DeCillis's victory. Heading into the 2026 elections, New York's 11th congressional district has a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+10, indicating a Republican-leaning district that poses challenges for Democratic candidates. This detail highlights the uphill battle DeCillis faces against Rep. Malliotakis, who has previously won by substantial margins, including a 63.8% to 35.8% victory in 2024 over Andrea Morse.[2]
Additionally, the summary overlooks the internal divisions within the Democratic Party in this district. Social media insights reveal that DeCillis lacks the endorsement of the Staten Island Democrats and is struggling to unify various party factions, which could hinder his campaign despite the seat being viewed as winnable. This internal conflict may impact his ability to mobilize support effectively against Malliotakis. @AlbaneseNYC noted these challenges, indicating that DeCillis's path to victory is not as straightforward as the primary results might suggest.
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📊 Relevant Data
In the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary for New York's 11th congressional district, Michael DeCillis received 4,130 votes (62.7%) to Allison Ziogas's 2,366 votes (35.9%), with 6,584 total votes reported in partial results.
New York 11th Congressional District Primary 2026 — The New York Times
New York's 11th congressional district had a population of approximately 753,000 to 760,000 residents as of 2024.
New York's 11th congressional district — Wikipedia
Heading into the 2026 elections, New York's 11th congressional district had a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+10.
New York's 11th Congressional District — Ballotpedia
📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Michael DeCillis won the Democratic primary to run against Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
- DeCillis is a former EMT paramedic, NYPD officer, 9/11 first responder and special education teacher with deep Staten Island roots.
- Malliotakis won reelection in 2024 by a 63.8% to 35.8% margin over Democrat Andrea Morse.
- This contest is viewed as one of several pivotal New York House races that could affect control of the chamber.
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