Educator Deirdre Levy announces candidacy for mayor of NYC

‘A desire to build a city where all residents can thrive.’

By Cristina DC Pastor

Deirdre Levy, a K-2 special education teacher, has announced her candidacy for mayor of New York City. This pits her possibly against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is reportedly mulling a decision to run, and re-electionist Eric Adams in the June 24 Democratic primary.

Cuomo resigned in 2021 over sexual misconduct charges, while Adams political profile is plagued with federal corruption allegations. Levy, a relatively unknown politician, ran for the position of council member for District 35 or Central Brooklyn. She said her parents –Steven Levy, Esq. and retired nurse Thelma Samson Levy from San Carlos, Pangasinan — have always been supportive seeing how public service is a fulfillment of her dream.

Filipinos contacted by The FilAm said they have not heard of Levy’s name.

With over 12 years of experience working with children with autism, emotional disabilities, and speech impairment, Levy said she believes  every New Yorker deserves an equitable chance to succeed—regardless of background or ability. As a working-class teacher, she said she “reports to her students—not to big businesses or corporate interests.”

According to a statement, her decision to run for mayor stems from her desire to build a city where all residents, from students to workers, can thrive.

Levy volunteers to deliver food to the residents at the Walt Whitman Houses in Fort Greene, Brooklyn during the pandemic. Facebook photo

“Our city is filled with incredible talent, but too many people are held back by systems that don’t fully support them,” she said. “As a teacher, I know how essential it is to recognize, nurture, and invest in every individual’s potential. That’s what I want to bring to the mayor’s office.”

Levy’s campaign says it prioritizes the following:

–Equity in education: Expanding access to quality education, especially for children with special needs, and ensuring every student, regardless of their background, has the resources and support they need to succeed.

–Inclusive communities: Creating safe, supportive, and accessible spaces for all, including those with disabilities, while tackling mental health challenges and offering adequate resources for families.

–Working-class representation: Being a mayor who reports to the people, not corporate donors.

Her campaign is also fueled by the NYC Campaign Finance Program, which matches small-dollar donations—making every contribution go further. A $10 donation can become $80, and $100 can turn into $800.

Lawyer and immigration rights advocate Lara Gregory, who came to know Levy during the pandemic, said, “Deirdre Levy running for mayor brings a strong message for everyone. Whereas other women, or men, for that matter won’t, her message is ‘I’m qualified and I’m stepping in the ring.’ It’s time that AAPI Filipinos see themselves qualified to be in elected leadership roles in city government,” she said.

Levy raised funds for food delivery to frontliners during the pandemic in partnership with Kabisera coffee shop. The initiative came to be known as Project Barkada.

“It’s important to support Deirdre so our community can be seen as a political force,” added Gregory.

A FilAm leader who wished to remain anonymous said, “I wish her luck. It would be interesting to see what her agenda is.”



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