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 Lilah Mejia who is running to represent New York’s 65th Assembly District. The 65th Assembly District is located in Manhattan and includes the Financial District, Chinatown and the Lower East Side.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
- Protecting Housing & Displacement – Protect NYCHA, rent-stabilized, and Mitchell-Lama housing, hold landlords accountable and strengthen protections for families facing eviction.
- Investing in Public Schools – Strengthening public education by expanding free afterschool for all students, bringing more resources into schools, and ensuring early literacy support, including expanding proven models like literacy academy.
- Strengthening Community Safety & Resilience- Safety comes from resources, not just policing. Expanding mental health support, investing in community-based solutions.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run because the other candidates do not have the qualifications needed to effectively fight for this community. I am the only candidate who is a community organizer with over 20 years of experience advocating for housing, education, preparedness and mental health. As someone born and raised in this community, I have dedicated my life to this work, and I am confident I am the right person for this role.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Voters have lost trust in government. Too many elected officials make promises but fail to deliver, leaving communities feeling unheard and disconnected. We need new leadership that challenges the system and truly responds to what people need. I will prioritize rebuilding that trust by creating a Youth Council to engage young people as early as 16 and advocating for stronger civic engagement in our schools.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
My background is rooted in lived experience. I became a young mother at 19, and faced challenges including housing instability, reliance on SNAP, and surviving a domestic violence relationship. Through those experiences, I learned how to navigate systems and fight for the resources my family needed. That journey shaped me into a leader who shows up for others with compassion and action and I will bring that same dedication to public service.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
Voters should choose me because I am a product of the 65th AD. I have lived, worked, and advocated in this community my entire life. I am deeply committed to the people here and lead with warmth, accessibility, and accountability. I will always maintain an open-door approach because I believe leadership should be present and connected. I’m not separate from this community; I am part of it, and I will always show up for it.
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!
