Candidate for New York State Senate Steven Raga | Screengrab
In a district as diverse and dynamic as Western Queens, effective representation requires more than policy knowledge or political experience. It demands a leader who understands the lived realities of immigrant families, working‑class households, seniors, small businesses, and new Americans striving to build a future here. Steven Raga — the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature — has demonstrated that kind of leadership in the Assembly. His candidacy for State Senate offers all communities in Senate District 12 an opportunity to elect a representative who is grounded in service, responsive to local needs, and committed to inclusive governance.
Raga’s story is deeply rooted in Queens. Raised by a single mother, a Filipina immigrant, in Woodside and Sunnyside, he grew up in the same neighborhoods he now represents. His lived experience mirrors that of countless families across the district — families who work hard, navigate economic uncertainty, and rely on public institutions to help them thrive. This background informs his approach to public service: practical, empathetic, and community‑centered.
A Legislative Record That Reflects District Priorities
Since his election to the Assembly in 2022, Raga has built a reputation as a hands‑on legislator who listens to constituents and responds to their concerns. His office has become a hub for community engagement, hosting legal clinics, cultural programs, and constituent services that address housing disputes, immigration questions, and access to public benefits. In a district where many residents face language barriers, economic pressures, and bureaucratic hurdles, this kind of accessibility matters.
Raga’s legislative work has focused on issues that resonate across the district: tenant protections, healthcare access, street safety, small business support, and public education. As a CUNY graduate and policy fellow, he has consistently supported efforts to strengthen public higher education and expand opportunities for working‑class students. His advocacy reflects the needs of a district where education is a pathway to mobility and where affordability remains a pressing concern.
A Career Built on Advocacy and Coalition-Building
Before entering elected office, Raga spent nearly two decades working in community advocacy and civil rights. He served as Executive Director of Woodside on the Move, advancing housing justice and youth programs. He held leadership roles in the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), amplifying civic participation across the Northeast. He founded UniPro, a national organization dedicated to empowering Filipino American youth and emerging leaders.
Raga also served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ New York State Advisory Committee and the Queens District Attorney’s Advisory Commission for Asian American Affairs. These roles demonstrate his ability to build coalitions, navigate complex policy issues, and advocate for marginalized communities — skills essential for effective state‑level leadership.
A Platform That Speaks to the District’s Needs
As a candidate for State Senate, Raga has outlined a platform that addresses the district’s most urgent challenges. He has emphasized expanding affordable housing, strengthening tenant protections, and addressing the rising cost of living. He supports investments in public education, universal childcare, and healthcare access — priorities that benefit families across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines.
Raga has also underscored the importance of immigrant rights, language access, and culturally competent public services. In one of the most diverse districts in the nation, these commitments are not symbolic; they are essential to ensuring that government works for everyone.
A Candidate for All of Queens
While Raga’s election to the Assembly was a historic milestone for Filipino Americans, his candidacy for State Senate is fundamentally about serving all communities in District 12. His record shows that he understands the district’s diversity not as a challenge but as a strength. He has worked with Latino, South Asian, East Asian, Black, Middle Eastern, and white communities alike — listening to concerns, building trust, and advocating for shared priorities.
In a moment when many New Yorkers feel disconnected from their government, Raga offers a model of leadership rooted in accessibility, accountability, and genuine community engagement.
A Candidate for Unified Support
Steven Raga’s candidacy represents an opportunity for Western Queens to elect a senator who reflects its values, understands its challenges, and is prepared to fight for its future. His record in the Assembly, his long history of community advocacy, and his forward‑looking platform make him a compelling choice for voters across the district.
For these reasons, all communities in Senate District 12 — Filipino, Latino, South Asian, East Asian, Black, Middle Eastern, and beyond — should strongly consider supporting Steven Raga. His leadership is not only needed; it is earned.
