Hear from the Candidates: 

Donovan Richards

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

"Queens has become the city’s leader in housing production under my watch, with over 10,000 new units built and 30,000 more in the pipeline, while ensuring 15% of all city-funded developments serve homeless New Yorkers. I secured $180 million for the borough’s first cancer center, co-chaired the $19 billion JFK redevelopment bringing thousands of union jobs, and allocated nearly $400 million for schools, parks, hospitals, housing, and transportation. Beyond major projects, I have focused on people by fighting for affordable healthcare, expanding childcare access, and creating opportunities that strengthen every neighborhood in Queens.”


Christopher Marte

Would you support hiring a licensed social worker in your office?

“Social workers provide key services to people struggling with a variety of issues, from mental health support to connecting people to much needed services. A social worker would support my staffers and I as we guide constituents through complex issues and help us advocate for them beyond our council office, like connecting seniors to crucial resources and advocating for tenants who are being harassed by their landlords.”


Linda Lee

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

“I am the best candidate for this office because I will continue to serve my community and deliver on the issues that matter most to my constituents. As a social worker and former nonprofit executive, I firmly believe that my role as a Council Member is to be a voice and an advocate for the community, deliver as many services as possible, create policies that include community input, and provide the necessary funding to do so.”


Alexa Aviles 

Why are you the best candidate for this office?“

Since taking office, I’ve fought for a New York City that works for the many, not just the wealthy few. I've stood up to Mayor Adams's budget cuts. I've fought the Trump agenda. With such uncertainty and consistent attack from the federal government, it will be important to have seasoned, steady leadership that can defend and build a city that works for the working class.”


Justin Sanchez

Would you support hiring a licensed social worker in your office?

“Given the breadth of constituent services that I intend to provide to my district, I absolutely plan to have licensed social work be a part of that. Social workers are uniquely equipped to navigate complex systems and provide trauma-based support.”


Kayla Santosousso 

Would you support hiring a licensed social worker in your office?“

My main priority as an elected official will be addressing constituent complaints in a timely and professional manner, and having a licensed social worker on staff is instrumental to that goal.”


Harvey Epstein

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

“My legislative work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to economic justice, housing equity, public education, and environmental sustainability. Since joining the Assembly in 2018, I’ve passed over 50 bills and cosponsored hundreds more, all focused on building a more just and inclusive New York.”