Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Republican Brianne Wakefield is challenging incumbent Democratic state Sen. Monica Martinez in the 4th Senate District, campaigning on affordability, public safety, human trafficking prevention and greater accountability to constituents.
Wakefield, who has lived in the district for nearly 12 years, said her experience raising six children and participating in community initiatives has shaped her priorities. She and her husband, Tom, opened a church in 2021. She has homeschooled four of her children for 14 years and said a strong support system has enabled her to pursue a campaign for public office.
“I am very fortunate,” she said. “I have a great support system.”
Addressing New York’s high cost of living, Wakefield proposed a tax credit to help senior citizens pay for home accessibility improvements, including walk-in showers and stair lifts, allowing them to remain in their homes. She also suggested a first-time homebuyer tax credit of $1,000 annually for five years to help offset housing costs.
Wakefield said she would examine the state budget and unfunded mandates that affect local property taxes, particularly school district taxes.
Public safety is another central focus of her campaign. Wakefield supports repealing or changing the state’s bail reform laws, arguing that the current system can leave residents and business owners feeling vulnerable.
She cited an incident at a coffee shop near the Bay Shore train station, where she said a business owner told her that a person who had allegedly broken into the store had returned shortly after the incident. The experience, along with concerns she has heard at police precinct meetings, reinforced her belief that changes are needed.
“If the state does not repeal the law, it should at least be changed to ensure that we have safe communities,” she said. “the way things are now, there is fear in the communities and the police are frustrated.”
Wakefield acknowledged that mental health and substance abuse issues complicate efforts to address crime but said residents must feel safe reporting incidents to police.
Human trafficking prevention is also a priority. Wakefield proposed incorporating education about grooming and trafficking into middle school health classes to help young people recognize warning signs, including online recruitment tactics.
She also supports community-based awareness programs. Wakefield said she has helped organize training for coffee shop and small business employees to help them recognize potential trafficking situations and respond appropriately.
Wakefield said she hopes to maintain close ties to constituents and listen to their concerns. She has been going door to door since November, she said, and has encountered residents across party lines who have expressed interest in her campaign.
Although she identifies as a Republican, Wakefield said she opposes political division and believes lawmakers should work across party lines when doing so benefits their communities.
“I believe in working with everybody,” she said, adding that collaboration is important to getting legislation passed.
On proposed universal prekindergarten expansion, Wakefield said she recognizes the high cost of child care but would need to learn more about the proposal before taking a firm position. She also raised questions about staffing and the demands placed on school districts.
Wakefield said she does not expect to know everything when entering the Legislature but believes a willingness to learn and a commitment to serving residents are essential to the job.
