Campaign Insiders is PoliticsNY’s latest Q&A series featuring candidates running for office in the 2026 New York primary election. This edition of Campaign Insiders features current U.S. Representative Grace Meng who is running for reelection to continue representing New York’s 6th Congressional District. The 6th Congressional District is located in Queens and includes Bayside, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Woodside and Rego Park.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
I will stand up to every Republican, far-right interest group, and anyone else trying to strip away women’s rights. We must protect access to reproductive care, from abortion to contraception to IVF, and make all healthcare affordable. I will revive the American dream by advocating for working people and investing in small businesses. And I will keep protecting the immigrant communities that make up Queens from hate and from the President’s unjust and senseless attacks.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I want my sons to believe they can do anything, become whatever they put their minds to. But my great fear for this country, that mine is the last generation to truly believe the American Dream was real, is starting to come true. I show up every single day to make sure my kids and the millions like them across the country still have something to believe in the same way my parents did.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if reelected?
Trump is exploiting people’s pain and turning immigrants and minorities into scapegoats. My job isn’t just to call out these awful things, it’s to address that underlying pain through policy. I will keep fighting to lower costs for New Yorkers by directly addressing the overlooked drivers of high costs, like corporate greed, hidden fees, and predatory insurance practices, so everyone can have a strong floor to succeed.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I’ve learned from the best, grown into one of the most effective legislators in the Democratic Party, and worked my way into leadership in the House. But my grandmother – who is 101 and barely has a middle school education – taught me my superpower wasn’t storytelling or even legislating, it’s listening and learning what matters to my community. I’ve delivered for a decade, but my connection to Queens is why I hold office.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I have built the leverage and relationships in Congress to protect Queens’ people and advance our shared agenda. I worked my way into leadership positions and, as a result, was able to salvage programs President Trump tried to cut to zero. I am a steward of this community, measuring success by the opportunities and improvements I’ve created for my constituents. I’m not done building a better future for this district.
From now until early voting, Campaign Insiders will be featuring candidates from select democratic primary races across the City & State. Be sure to check back to hear from a wide range of candidates from assembly, senate, and congressional races as well as the NYS comptroller race!
Early voting in NYC is June 13th-21st and Election Day is June 23rd. Check out the PoliticsNY Election Primer to see who will be on your ballot and don’t forget to vote this June!
