Guzman and Slater square off in 94th Assembly District

Nov. 3 will see Republican incumbent Matt Slater defending his seat in Assembly District 94 against Democratic challenger Daniel Guzman. Before Election Day, Halston Media offered the candidates the opportunity to address voters and explain in their own words their qualifications, what they see as key issues within the district, and what they will do if elected. (Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.)

DANIEL GUZMAN

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I am a community servant, not a career politician. My leadership has been shaped by military service, professional experience, education, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots community involvement.

I am a proud American Latino and Puerto Rican, born and raised in the Bronx and now raising my family in Patterson. I am a husband, father, union worker, and combat Marine veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1998 to 2006, including deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. My military service taught me discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership.

I currently work as a union school custodian at Mahopac Middle School, where I work alongside students, educators, administrators, and families. My professional background also includes building management and residential property services, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges facing working families.

I am the founder and CEO of Pa’lante Para Todos Inc., a nonprofit organization through which I have organized charitable initiatives, multicultural events, and community programs in New York and Florida. Through these events, I have helped create welcoming and inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, can come together, celebrate their cultures, and feel respected and supported.

Educationally, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Mount Saint Mary College and have earned two college degrees. I have also completed college coursework in nutrition. I plan to continue my MBA studies within the next year, followed by pursuing a doctorate in business administration (DBA).

My grassroots leadership is rooted in service, family, community, and bringing people together. I believe leadership is not about a title - it is about showing up, listening to people, solving problems, and doing the work.

What are the most important issues facing District 94, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

The most important issues facing the 94th District are affordability, health care costs and access, child care, mental health, and support for seniors, veterans, and working families.

I am qualified to address these issues because I am a grassroots community servant who understands the challenges families face firsthand. Through my work, nonprofit leadership, and community involvement, I have seen these challenges up close and understand the need for practical, effective solutions. I am not a career politician; I am a community member ready to serve.

If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

If elected, my top priorities over the next year will be lowering costs for working families, improving access to affordable health care and child care, expanding mental health and veteran services, supporting seniors, and strengthening our public schools.

I will stand with working people and support unions, while expanding after-school opportunities for youth, including sports, music, tutoring, mentoring, and life-skills programs. I will also fight for stronger community resources and make sure the 94th District has a strong, proactive voice in Albany.

On a personal level, what is the most important piece of advice you have received?

The most important advice I have received is to never forget where you came from and always remember who you are serving. I believe in leading by example and practicing what I preach. I would rather be disliked for being honest than be liked for being fake. I believe integrity, humility, and staying true to yourself are the foundation of good leadership.

MATT SLATER

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

Before being elected to the State Assembly, I had the privilege of serving as Yorktown Town Supervisor, where I led our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, delivered the town's first town tax cut in 30 years, certified Yorktown as a Climate Smart Community and implemented an economic development strategy that attracted Trader Joe's, supported the expansion of Uncle Giuseppe's, and helped revitalize the Yorktown Green.

Today, as your Assemblyman, I've built on that experience by successfully passing legislation and securing more than $38 million in state funding for our local communities, including $2 million for our local police and emergency services.

I'm also proud to serve our country as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve. I earned my bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College and a master's degree in public administration from Marist College.

Throughout my career, my focus has remained the same: effective leadership, fiscal responsibility, and delivering real results for the people I serve.

What are the most important issues facing District 94, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

Affordability remains our greatest challenge. Families are struggling with property taxes, utility bills, childcare expenses, and the rising cost of everyday necessities. Our communities also need stronger infrastructure, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods.

My record demonstrates that we can address these challenges and deliver meaningful results.

I've written and passed legislation cutting property taxes for Putnam County residents, helped expand universal pre-K, supported free school meals, and advanced childcare reforms, including a substitute teacher pool adopted in the 2026 state budget.

We've also secured more than $38 million for local priorities, including road improvements, support for every library in the 94th Assembly District, law enforcement, veterans organizations in Mahopac, Carmel, Putnam Lake and Putnam Valley, and community infrastructure.

These aren't simply proposals or promises. They are tangible accomplishments benefiting the people I represent.

If re-elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

My priorities will remain focused on making our communities more affordable, safer, and stronger.

I'll continue fighting for property tax relief, lower energy costs, and responsible state spending. I'll build on our success expanding universal pre-K, improving childcare access, and delivering resources directly to local classrooms.

Infrastructure will remain a major focus, particularly improving our roads, addressing flooding, and protecting local lakes and waterways. I'm proud to have recently been named to the Regional Transportation Steering Committee, which focuses on improving Routes 6, 35, 118, and 202 in Yorktown, Somers and hopefully Mahopac. I look forward to seeing the results of the safety study of the Taconic State Parkway and to having Routes 202, 118 and 139 paved in Somers next year as part of a $15 million state investment that I helped secure.

I'll also continue supporting law enforcement, first responders, and veterans while working to ensure our communities receive their fair share of state resources.

Most importantly, I'll remain accessible and responsive to constituents. Whether it's helping a family navigate a state agency or securing funding for a local project, constituent service will always be a priority.

On a personal level, what is the most important piece of advice you have received?

The power of positivity and believing in yourself.

Two of the most influential people in my life, my mom and my wife, have always reminded me of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, believing in yourself, and never giving up when faced with challenges.

Their encouragement has taught me that while we can't always control the obstacles life puts in front of us, we can control how we respond to them. A positive mindset, determination, and a willingness to work hard can make all the difference.

It's advice I carry with me every day, both personally and professionally, and something I hope to pass along to my own children.