| Screenshot from a campaign video on Facebook
QUEENS, NY — Community organizer Aber Kawas holds a significant lead over Assemblymember Steven Raga in the Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 12, based on unofficial election night results from the New York State Board of Elections. With all 150 election districts reporting, Kawas has 12,460 votes (58.33%), while Raga has 8,166 votes (38.23%) out of 21,360 total ballots cast. Kawas currently leads by 4,294 votes, but the results remain unofficial until all absentee, affidavit, military, and overseas ballots are counted and the canvass is completed.
The district covers Astoria, Woodside, Sunnyside, and parts of Long Island City—neighborhoods with distinct political identities that shaped the outcome. Kawas’ strongest support came from Astoria and Long Island City, while Raga performed more competitively in Woodside and Sunnyside, home to one of the largest Filipino American communities on the East Coast.
Both campaigns monitored the vote count from their respective bases in Queens. Raga spent election night with supporters in Woodside, while Kawas gathered with volunteers and organizers in Astoria. As of Tuesday night, Raga has not conceded, and Kawas has not declared victory, pending the full canvass.
Where the Candidates Voted and Their Election‑Day Activities
Raga cast his vote early on Sunday, Father’s Day, at P.S. 151 in Woodside, consistent with his long‑established residence and political base. Kawas voted in Astoria, where she has lived and organized for years. Throughout the day, both candidates visited polling sites across the district to encourage turnout and meet voters.
According to the NYS Board of Elections, the District 12 Democratic primary recorded 21,360 total ballots, including 12,460 for Kawas, 8,166 for Raga, 633 blank ballots, 19 void ballots, and 82 write‑ins. These numbers reflect Election Day and early voting totals but do not yet include all absentee and affidavit ballots.
Platform Differences and Voter Dynamics
Although both candidates identify as progressive, their campaigns emphasized different priorities that resonated with different parts of the district.
Kawas centered her campaign on tenant protections, social housing, immigrant‑rights advocacy, and expanded public services. Her platform aligned closely with the priorities of younger voters, renters, and left‑leaning coalitions concentrated in Astoria and Long Island City. These neighborhoods delivered some of her strongest margins.
Raga focused on district‑level governance, community services, anti‑hate initiatives, small‑business support, and representation for immigrant communities, including Filipino Americans. His base remained strongest in Woodside and Sunnyside, where he has longstanding ties through civic work and community organizations.
Both candidates participated in community events and public forums during the campaign, including a candidates’ forum attended by residents from across the district. Voters who attended noted clear contrasts in emphasis: Kawas’ message appealed to those seeking broader structural reforms, while Raga’s approach resonated with constituents prioritizing local services and continuity.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
Among Filipino Americans, reactions to the unofficial results were mixed. Some expressed disappointment at Raga’s deficit, while others viewed the strong turnout for Kawas as a reflection of shifting political dynamics in Queens. Progressive groups in Astoria expressed optimism about Kawas’ early lead, while community organizations in Woodside emphasized the importance of waiting for the full canvass.
The canvassing process is not yet complete. Under New York election law, all absentee, affidavit, early mail, military, and overseas ballots must be reviewed and counted before results can be certified. This process typically takes up to 15 days for primary elections. Until certification, the results remain unofficial, and the outcome of the District 12 Democratic primary remains open.
