The New York Working Families Party (WFP) announced endorsements for three more Queens candidates in the 2021 New York City Council elections on Wednesday.
The party endorsed Queens City Council candidates Juan Ardila, Aleda Gagarin and Felicia Singh in their bids for office.
“Juan, Aleda, and Felicia have each fought for their Queens neighbors for years — and they’ll keep fighting side by side from City Hall,” said State Director Sochie Nnaemeka.
Ardila, Gagarin and Singh were three of eight new candidates added to the WFP’s list of endorsed candidates for the city council in the party’s second wave of endorsements. The first wave was released at the end of September and included Queens City Council candidates Tiffany Cabán and Jennifer Gutiérrez.
The candidates were chosen after participating in an endorsement process that included candidate questionnaires and interviews. WFP endorses candidates that align with their values, they said.
“This year, New York City voters demanded bold, progressive candidates up and down the ballot. As we approach the 2021 elections, we must heed this mandate by electing City Council Members who are wholly committed to a working people’s agenda — from housing for all to fully funded schools to decarceral justice,” said Nnaemeka. “Our city government must ensure New York’s COVID-19 recovery protects and supports the many, not the wealthy few — and we know this slate of community leaders will join together to deliver for New York’s working people, immigrants and communities of color.”
Ardila is running to unseat incumbent City Councilmember Robert Holden (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Woodside) in District 30. He currently works at the Legal Aid Society and is a former staffer for City Councilmember Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn).
“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of the Working Families Party. Their commitment to working people in NYC is unmatched and together we’re going to bring new leadership to District 30 that is focused on improving the lives of all people in our communities,” said Ardila. “Our district is crying for representation and we’re going to bring it to them.”
Gagarin is a non profit leader and community activist running. She is running to replace term-limited City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz (D-Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill) in District 29.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party, and am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as we fight for a brighter, more progressive future that uplifts all New Yorkers,” said Gagarin. “The WFP have been stalwart leaders in the progressive movement and I couldn’t be more excited to organize together to build the just, sustainable, people powered future that all of my neighbors in District 29 and across New York City deserve.”
Singh is a public school teacher and activist. She is running to replace term-limited City Councilmember Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven). Ulrich is the only Republican elected official in Queens. If successful, Singh will flip the district from red to blue.
“I am a daughter of working-class immigrants who believes everyone in our community has a right to a dignified life. Our values, our hopes and our dreams are aligned with the values of the Working Families Party,” said Singh. “Flipping District 32 from red to blue will take work — and the right work is centered in equity and justice. I am so honored WFP is joining us in our mission.”
