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 Jay Jacky Wong 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?
(1) Affordability, including affordable housing and healthcare; (2) immigrant rights, including protection and language justice; and (3) public safety, including both effective law enforcement and expanded mental health services.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run after seeing how rising costs, housing pressures, and public safety gaps are affecting everyday residents. Through my work as a journalist, housing operator, and community board member, I’ve worked closely with residents and small businesses and have seen how challenges are worsening while government response remains too slow or disconnected. I’m running to bring a practical, community-based approach to Albany and ensure Lower Manhattan residents are heard and not misrepresented.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
The top issue facing voters is affordability. Rising costs, from rent to groceries to healthcare, are putting pressure on working families, seniors and small businesses across Lower Manhattan. If elected, I will focus on expanding truly affordable housing and reducing costs driven by excessive regulations and delays. I will also improve access to affordable healthcare, especially for underserved and immigrant communities, and ensure public resources are used efficiently and transparently to deliver real results.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
My background combines local knowledge, technical expertise and public leadership. As a journalist, I spent over a decade covering neighborhood issues, building a deep understanding of the district and its residents. In housing, I managed a federally funded senior facility, gaining hands-on experience with finance, regulation and compliance. On Community Board 3, I worked across differing viewpoints, and as district leader, I’ve navigated the political process and built coalitions to deliver results.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I differ from my opponents by combining deep local knowledge, technical housing experience, and a proven ability to navigate government. I’ve worked directly on the issues affecting this district and understand how policy translates into real impact. I also bring an immigrant perspective that recognizes language barriers and how communities can be left out of decisions. I’m focused on results and accountability, not ideology, and delivering practical solutions for Lower Manhattan residents.
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!
