Event Recap: A Conversation with Patrick Martinez, Democratic Candidate for New York State Assembly District 30, at Purple Dough
What does it mean to represent a district like ours? That question ran through last Wednesday’s Meet & Greet at Purple Dough, where families, small business owners, students, community organizers, and constituents joined Fil-Am Dems for a conversation with Patrick Martinez, who is running to succeed Assemblymember Steven Raga.
In a district shaped by so many immigrant communities, including our own in Little Manila, knowing the neighborhood means knowing the people who make it home. Those relationships take time. September 30 was a chance to build on them.
“We want to make sure the priorities of Filipino New Yorkers are part of the decisions made for this district from the beginning,” said Michelle Amor, president of Fil-Am Dems. “That starts with opportunities like this, where our community can ask questions, share concerns, and help shape the conversation. We’re grateful to Patrick for joining us.”
Michelle asked about working with Steve and following the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature, a milestone that continues to shape our community’s hopes for the future of this seat.
“So much of the rich fabric of our neighborhood comes from the impact of generations of Filipinos,” Patrick said. “I understand the importance of continuing Assemblymember Raga’s legacy of making sure all voices in our community are raised up, heard, and seen.”
He connected that legacy to the partnership ahead.
“I look forward to partnering with community leaders to ensure Filipino issues continue to have a strong voice in Albany, and to making sure our neighborhood remains a thriving home for the next generation.”
“So much of the rich fabric of our neighborhood comes from the impact of generations of Filipinos,” Patrick said. “I understand the importance of continuing Assemblymember Raga’s legacy of making sure all voices in our community are raised up, heard, and seen.”
Patrick Martinez, Democratic Candidate for New York State Assembly District 30
The conversation covered housing affordability, including Mitchell-Lama housing, and Patrick’s support for the New York Health Act. Community members also asked how he would work with colleagues in Albany to move priorities forward. Questions about immigration brought the discussion closer to home: how fear of ICE keeps neighbors from school, medical care, and emergency help, and how residents can understand their rights and support one another.
For Adam Lee, a district resident, Fil-Am Dems member, and Vice President of Membership for Latino Democrats of NYC, Patrick’s ongoing relationship with the community stood out.
“His continued presence and support give me confidence that the work already underway for Filipino New Yorkers and our neighborhoods will continue to grow.”
“His continued presence and support give me confidence that the work already underway for Filipino New Yorkers and our neighborhoods will continue to grow.”
Adam Lee, Vice President of Membership for Latino Democrats of NYC
There was affection for the neighborhood in the conversation, too. Patrick named the small parks and green spaces scattered through the district he grew up in as its most underrated feature. His food loyalties were equally clear: Ihawan, adobo, and an ice-cold San Miguel.
A special thank you to Purple Dough for always being so willing to open their doors to community events. Places like theirs give these conversations a home. We’re grateful for their generosity.
The November 3 general election is just a month away. The questions raised at Purple Dough will matter well beyond it. Early voting in New York runs October 24 through November 1—make your plan, check in with family and friends, and stay tuned for opportunities to support Filipino American candidates and candidates who stand with our community, here in New York and across the country.
