New York 20th District
Paul Tonko (D) holds this seat and is running again. 2 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Paul Tonko
Democrat · holds this seat today
FLiberty Score FOn the liberty side in 35 of 120 votes and bills.
Raised $1,247,202 since January 2025: 66% from PACs and other committees, 34% from people. The filing at FEC.gov
Ralph Ambrosio
Republican · navy veteran, attorney, former state police counsel
ALiberty Score A100 out of 100 across 4 principles. Graded on what Ambrosio has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Ambrosio.
Raised $61,545 since January 2025: 80% from people, 16% the candidate’s own money, 3% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Ralph Ambrosio. Ralph Ambrosio: A, 100 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count. Paul Tonko: F, 26 out of 100 from recorded votes.
Voting in New York: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Ralph Ambrosio, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Ambrosio, so the grade above comes from this list: what Ambrosio has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
-
His campaign release faulted his opponent for criticizing U.S. military action regarding Iran and for making the regime in Iran out to be victims.
“Tonko has focused on criticizing the President and U.S. military actions/decisions regarding Iran, characterizing American actions as "unjustified" and "unpopular" while making the Iranian regime out to be victims.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Faulting someone for condemning action against the regime is the opposite of the against side, which is opposing or condemning such action.
-
Said the U.S.-Israel relationship is non-negotiable and condemned his opponent's vote against Israeli aid.
“New York needs a representative who understands that the U.S.-Israel relationship is non-negotiable.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Treating Israel as an ally and backing aid to it is with liberty on free nations.
-
Listed a 100 percent tax deduction for childcare expenses among his platform items.
“tax burden reduction, energy independence, affordable healthcare through market-based reforms, and a 100% tax deduction for all childcare related expenses.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
A named tax cut is with liberty on free markets.
-
Said the answer to high costs is tax cutting and deregulation.
“We have to tackle crushing costs and lack of opportunity through tax cutting and deregulation.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
He names no tax, bill or rule, so the line does not settle the free markets test.
-
Objected to his opponent's call to abolish ICE.
“How in the world does abolishing ICE protect upstate NY families?”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing the abolition of ICE is with liberty on borders.
-
Said local law enforcement should coordinate with federal authorities to deport criminal illegal aliens, and opposed an Albany County sanctuary resolution.
“If Albany Democrats were serious about protecting public safety, they would let local law enforcement coordinate with federal authorities to deport criminal illegal aliens.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing sanctuary policies and backing deportation of those who break the law is with liberty on borders.
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
Say it where other readers can answer you. Opinions, videos and corrections about this race are all in one place.
Discussion
New York 20th District
Opinions, videos, corrections and bug reports about this race, all in one place. What readers post is their words, not mine. My answers carry the Host tag.
Leave out anything private about anyone. The rules, what your account keeps, and what readers have changed so far
Know this race better than I do?
Argue it with the hosts on a call. The community meets every day, and members help decide what goes on these pages.