NEW YORK – The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY) is undertaking a bold move in this year’s election in New York City, announcing its first-ever slate of political endorsements of candidates for public office.
In endorsing the candidates, FADCNY went through an open process, which was formally approved by the general membership. Only candidates who applied for endorsement were considered and reviewed by the club’s member-led Endorsement Committee.
As a result of vetting the candidates, FADCNY stated in a release that the endorsed candidates reflect the diversity, values, and priorities of Filipino Americans across the five boroughs, including immigrant rights, language access, public safety, affordable housing, labor protection, healthcare access, education, and support for small businesses.
“What’s most important is that we’re doing everything we can to increase Filipino American visibility in New York City,” FADCNY president Michelle Amor said. “We’re proud to be building the political infrastructure needed to ensure Filipino Americans are seen and heard at every level of city government.”
FADCY has selected the 2025 candidates it endorses, which include:
- Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor
- Zellnor Myrie, New York City Mayor
- Mark Levine, New York City Comptroller
- Keith Powers, Manhattan Borough President
- Eve Cho Guillergan, Civil Court Judge, Queens Municipal Court District 2
- Harvey Epstein, New York City Council, District 2
- Erycka Montoya, New York City Council, District 21
- Linda Lee, New York City Council, District 23
- Shekar Krishnahn, New York City Council, District 25
- Lynn Schulman, New York City Council, District 29
- Dermot Smyth, New York City Council, District 30
According to FADCNY, these candidates are long-standing allies of the Filipino community, labor and tenant rights champions, historic AAPI trailblazers, and policymakers advancing healthcare equity, public safety, access to education, and immigrant inclusion.
In addition, several candidates have hired Filipino staff, collaborated with FADCNY on events, canvassing efforts, and helped deliver meaningful wins, such as securing millions in AAPI funding and passing critical housing and language access legislation.
“Importantly, 100% of the endorsed candidates have pledged to support expanded Filipino in-language translation options in public services and to advocate for equitable city budget allocations for Filipino Americans, if elected,” FADCNY said.
Assemblymember Steve Raga agreed with FADCNY’s release of the first-ever slate of endorsements. “This slate marks a major turning point for Filipinos in New York,” which shows “the community isn’t just showing up – it’s building lasting infrastructure to influence decisions, support candidates, and elevate Filipino American voices at every level.”
“This moment reflects the momentum we’ve built and the continued growth of Filipino civic leadership across the city,” adds Raga.
This endorsement, FADCNY stated, “has been shaped by years of collective action which includes the historic 2022 election of Assemblymember Raga to FADCNY members’ leadership in Filipino Americans for Harris Walz during the 2024 presidential campaign, to ongoing organizing efforts at the state and national levels.
Earlier this month, the New York State Democrats AAPI Caucus honored the FADCNY at its AAPI Heritage Month celebration, recognizing the club’s contributions to civic engagement and coalition-building.
