Castro Runs on Four Lines

Brandon Castro is running for New York State Assembly District 30 on four different ballot lines. The 27-year-old candidate identifies as politically independent but seeks election on the Republican line against incumbent Patrick Martinez. He also appears on the Reform, Conservative, and Arts and Culture lines. Castro says he is closer to local moderate Democrats than to the far-right wing of the national Republican party.

Castro represents parts of Woodside, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights. He describes the district as a conservative holdout surrounded by socialist leadership. Neighboring Districts 36 and 37 have been controlled by the Democratic Socialists of America since Claire Valdez took office in 2025. Castro stated he has never liked being told what to do or say by a political party.

The Ecuadorian-American menswear specialist graduated from Queens College in 2023 with degrees in history and political science. During his time as a student, he helped connect peers to mentorship and career development services. He said that experience shaped his belief that targeted investment in vocational training and trade schools is essential. Castro argued that the district faces an underemployment problem that requires merit-based aid and programs leading to high-earning careers.

Castro’s platform emphasizes entrepreneurship, fiscal responsibility, and a meritocratic education system. He supports banning face masks for ICE agents and prohibiting artificial intelligence in public schools. He noted that New York State should not fall behind on AI technology. He also criticized Queens politicians who accepted money from Steve Cohen and supported the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project in Flushing. Castro said he has opposed that project since 2024.

On economic policy, Castro did not explicitly condemn taxing the ultra-wealthy to fund social services. However, he warned against driving investment away from the area. He said the goal is to ensure accountability measures for where the money goes. He joined Councilmember Phil Wong in protesting a lithium-ion battery storage facility planned across from P.S. 128 in Middle Village.

Castro is also sympathetic to residents concerned about the proposed Grand Avenue Interborough Express stop. He said he is thinking about homeowners on the southern side of Queens Boulevard who fear displacement and lower property values from the light rail line. He vowed to fight for major funding to compensate the community for any lost property value. He said fears about displacement cross party lines.

The candidate said he is not there to defend the rich but wants to keep jobs in the area. He described his run as a way to carve out space for his views in a two-party system. He plans to prioritize his Queens community over corporate interests and culture war fights. He said sending hundreds of resumes out into the market is a common experience that highlights the local employment gap.