A sense of nervousness as Steven Raga faces Mamdani-backed opponent in State Senate race

The entry of Palestinian American community organizer Aber Kawas into the race for New York State Senate District 12 has prompted discussion among some Filipino American voters, particularly because she has the endorsement of Zohran Mamdani.

Mayor Mamdani is a prominent — and popular — progressive figure whose policies have drawn both supporters and critics across the city.

“It’s tough,” said  Yolanda del Mundo, entrepreneur and merchandising professional.

A health care worker replied, “For sure,” when asked if she is worried about Raga possibly facing serious challenge from Aber Kawas.

Mayette Ocampo, who votes in Raga’s district, said she is “nervous.”

“I think Steve is facing a highly contentious primary against Aber Kawas who is highly endorsed by Mayor Mumdani,” she said. “I am voting for him though…I am nervous.”

All three women remain in Raga’s corner, even as one of them voiced concerns about certain aspects of his campaign.

At a June 8 community forum hosted by Sunnyside Community Services and partner organizations, Kawas and Raga outlined their visions for addressing affordability, immigration, health care, climate change among many issues ahead of the June 23 Democratic primary.

While the two candidates shared many progressive ideas—including support for universal health care, stronger immigrant protections and expanded social services—their paths to public service and approaches to governance are notably different.

Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Assembly, is backed up by his legislative experience and personal history. He recounted losing his father at age 7 because his family could not afford the health care he needed, a tragedy that shaped his commitment to public service.

“When I was 7 years old, my father passed away because we could not access the health care he needed,” Raga said. “I don’t want anyone else to feel that pain.”

He pledged to continue advocating for the New York Health Act, expand affordable housing and push for tax policies that would require wealthy individuals and corporations to contribute more toward public services.

Kawas, the daughter of Palestinian immigrants, anchored her campaign on her family’s experience with immigration enforcement. She described how her father was detained by ICE for three years before being deported, an event she said fueled her commitment to organizing and advocacy.

Affordability crisis

“Right now, we have an affordability crisis,” Kawas said. “It’s related to housing, it’s related to our wages, it’s related to our transit.”

She is calling for a significantly higher minimum wage, passage of the New York Health Act and stronger protections for immigrant communities.

Raga called for stronger protections for immigrant families in Western Queens and pledged to close remaining loopholes that allow cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Kawas pointed to recent ICE arrests in Queens and urged Albany to fully pass New York for All legislation while increasing funding for legal services and immigration assistance.

The candidates also discussed food insecurity and climate change, with both emphasizing the need for greater State investment in vulnerable communities.

Filipino community

Among Filipino Americans, reactions to the race remain mixed.

One health care worker who has attended community events with Raga praised his accessibility and support for local initiatives but questioned the extent of his legislative accomplishments.

“I like him and he speaks well,” the health care worker said. “He always comes to our events and has been very supportive. But I think he does too many events for show. I asked for a list of things he has actually passed as the lead sponsor, and I couldn’t find much. He should do more in terms of his main job, which is getting things passed for us.”

Others emphasized Raga’s visibility and longstanding presence in the FilAm community.

Community leader Yolanda del Mundo said Raga’s consistent participation in local events has made him a familiar and approachable figure.

“He is so visible, which makes him easily accessible,” she said. “Not only because it’s campaign season—he is always present in most FilAm community events. A leader must make himself reachable and ready to extend help when needed most.”

While Del Mundo has expressed reservations about Mamdani’s leadership style, she concedes his popularity may possibly transfer to his anointed candidate Kawas, a member of his New York City Democratic Socialists of America party.

Others in the community had hoped Mamdani would stay clear of any endorsement, citing his friendship with Raga from their time together in the State Assembly. – Cristina DC Pastor