Councilwoman Julie Won Launches Congressional Bid for NY-7
New York, NY — The race for New York’s 7th Congressional District is heating up as Queens Councilwoman Julie Won officially announced her candidacy, filing paperwork to enter the contest. The seat, which has been held by Representative Nydia Velázquez, is open as Velázquez is set to retire. Won joins a growing field of candidates vying for the opportunity to represent a diverse district that includes parts of Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Fort Greene, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg.
In an exclusive interview on “Inside City Hall,” Councilwoman Won shared the deeply personal motivations behind her decision to run (0:50). An immigrant herself, she recounted her experiences arriving in the U.S. at eight years old, navigating language barriers, and assisting her parents through the citizenship process. “As an immigrant, I would never turn anyone away,” Won stated, emphasizing her commitment to immigrant rights (1:19-1:21). A key pillar of her campaign platform is the call to abolish ICE and end family separation, a stance she passionately defends as both a mother and an immigrant (1:29-1:32).
Addressing the perception of the 7th Congressional District as a “Latino seat,” Won articulated her belief that representation transcends demographics (1:52-2:33). She highlighted her unique position as the only immigrant candidate in the race, asserting that shared experiences in navigating complex immigration systems create stronger bonds than racial divisions.
Looking ahead to her potential role in Congress, Won expressed a desire to serve on the housing committee and the space, science, and technology committee (3:00-3:08). Leveraging her decade-long background in tech, where she modernized civilian federal agencies, she aims to tackle critical issues like housing affordability by reforming the Area Median Income (AMI), which she argues does not accurately reflect the cost of living in New York City (3:17-3:41).
Won also stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation, noting her success in uniting all 51 council members to advocate for internet connectivity (4:18-4:41). Her efforts led to the expansion of the Big Apple Connect program, providing free internet and cable TV to residents of publicly owned NYCHA developments across the city (4:49-5:01).
Beyond specific legislative goals, Councilwoman Won articulated a broad policy philosophy centered on “a lifetime of care” (5:47). This vision encompasses creating a robust safety net from birth through retirement, ensuring that the country supports its citizens at every stage of life. Her platform includes ambitious proposals such as ending unpaid parental leave, implementing universal healthcare, and providing cost-free universal childcare (6:35-7:07).
As Won expands her campaign to the Brooklyn areas of the district, she plans to employ traditional grassroots strategies like canvassing and door-knocking, complemented by a strong digital presence and active engagement with earned media (5:17-5:45). The campaign promises to be a dynamic one, with voters eager to hear more from Julie Won on these pressing issues.
Video : Councilwoman Julie Won discusses her congressional bid | Inside City Hall.
