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 Wei-Li Tjong 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?
I am running to keep our neighborhoods livable by preserving affordable housing, supporting NYCHA and NORCs, and protecting tenants through rental assistance and due process. I support ethical law enforcement, community-based public safety, and protecting immigrant families through due process and measures like the New York for All Act. I’ll also invest in creating opportunities for advancement through public education, CUNY/SUNY, bilingual education, healthcare affordability, and pathways to stable union jobs for working families.
Why did you decide to run for office?
This community gave my family everything. My parents came to New York as immigrants with hardly anything, educated themselves at CUNY, became public school teachers, and built a life here through education and hard work. I’ve spent decades serving this community as a lawyer, community leader, and elected Democratic Party leader. I’m running because our neighborhoods need experienced, ethical leadership that understands both the challenges working families face and how government can better serve them.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Affordability is the defining issue facing our district. Rising rents, healthcare costs, and everyday expenses are pushing working families, seniors, and longtime residents out of the neighborhoods they helped build. I will fight to preserve and expand affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, invest in public housing repairs, lower healthcare costs, support immigrant small businesses, and champion good-paying union jobs through education, workforce development, and infrastructure investment.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
My background combines legal experience, public service, and deep roots in the district. As president of Seward Park Cooperative, I’ve led one of the most diverse communities in New York City, representing over 5,000 residents and 55 small businesses. I’ve spent 26 years practicing law, interpreting legislation, solving complex problems, and advocating as fiduciary for clients and communities. As Democratic state committee member for AD65, I’ve worked on statewide issues and coalition-building alongside current legislators.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I believe government works best when leaders are accessible, thoughtful, and focused on delivering real results for working families. I will bring a steady, community-centered approach to Albany that values public service, accountability, and coalition-building across our district’s many communities. At a time of growing division and uncertainty, I will lead with integrity, seriousness, and a commitment to bringing people together to solve problems and deliver for our neighborhoods.
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!
