These Two Women in Queens Need Your Vote This Midterm Election

Queens has always been one of the most diverse boroughs, with over 176 languages spoken and close to 50% of the population are immigrants. At a time of political uncertainty—such as the one that we are witnessing— it is imperative for the people of Queens to vote in this upcoming midterm election. It is time for politically marginalized people—especially immigrants and children of immigrants— during this upcoming election, to take action and make their voices heard. Being well informed of what is at stake and making the right choice is crucial. This is a time where immigrants, children of immigrants, and Queens natives can all come together to push for change. Ultimately, this upcoming election determines who takes control of the U.S. Senate and U.S House of Representatives. But shifting into a local perspective, there are also candidates who are running for office in the New York State Senate and Assembly on November 6. Two particular candidates I want to focus on are from Queens and are fighting to get into office to help make inclusive and beneficial changes in our diverse district. These candidates are relentlessly working to be a part of a positive change in our community. A change that is inclusive to diversity and beneficial to all residents of Queens. If we want change, we must get involved and inform ourselves. But above all, we must vote.

Jessica Ramos

Running for State Senate in the 13th district. This area includes Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, Woodside, and Astoria.

Ramos says she owes her love for activism and public service to her parents, Colombian immigrants who fought for and won dual citizenship. With being the first American-born in her family she felt responsible to help her parents and others who were also undocumented.

Ramos plans to help fix the MTA, reform rent laws, fund public schools, support small businesses, provide stronger healthcare and more accessibility to healthcare facilities, protect the rights of women and immigrants, fight for working families, and advocate for labor.

Her first job was working at an immigration firm in Jackson Heights, this is where she learned about workers rights and the injustice that occurs to immigrants. She also served as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s director of Latino media, which informed Spanish speaking individuals who lived in New York of the government's initiative and services.

Ramos combination of work and service has contributed to Queens over the years and is something that Queens natives have witnessed in some way, shape, or form take place in our community without knowing she was the one behind it. It is now up to us to return the favor and vote!

Fun fact: She does not have a driver's license and rides the subway every day.

To find out more: https://www.ramosforstatesenate.com

Catalina Cruz

Running for Democrat for NYS Assembly

Cruz was born in Colombia and came to Queens at a young age she lived here for many years without any documentation. She is the first Dreamer to run for office in New York State and plans to use her platform as a way to help others who also share her story. As a single mother with four children, she worked various jobs in order to make ends meet such as selling empanadas and tamales at soccer fields or babysitting during the weekend. Cruz never let any of this stop her but instead used this as motivation to improve not only her life but of others as well.

Her plans include helping fix the MTA, invest in public education, keep housing affordable, support immigrants, provide Medicare for all, airport impact fund, support LGBT community, help seniors, support criminal justice reform, support women’s agenda, and support a street safety plan.

Cruz’s first interaction with the government was when she interned for then-attorney general Andrew Cuomo’s office while attending CUNY law school. She then got more determined to work her way up and now has experience as an attorney and a leader for tenant protections, immigration reform, and workers rights. These opportunities are where she got her first experience helping others and seeing the impact she can make.

To find out more: https://www.cruzfornewyork.com

These women are making history and changing the political system not only in their gender but their ethnicity. During the political uncertainty that the United States is having, women like Ramos and Cruz are encouraging others to not give up but to push for change. They just need your help. Go out and vote November 6!