Statement on Assemblymember Steven Raga’s Exploration of a State Senate Run

The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York stands proudly behind Assemblymember Steven Raga as he explores a run for New York State Senate District 12.

As Senator Michael Gianaris prepares to retire after years of dedicated service to Western Queens, we are grateful for his leadership and recognize this as a moment of transition and opportunity for our community.

Steven became the first Filipino American ever elected to the New York State Legislature, opening a new chapter for Filipino American civic leadership in New York. He is also a founder of this Club. He helped build this organization from the ground up in 2016 and has remained an active force within it ever since. He did not just join this movement. He helped create it.

His election to the Legislature expanded representation in real terms. And now, as he considers a campaign for the State Senate, there is an opportunity to make history once again, by becoming the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Senate.

For Filipino Americans and Asian Americans across New York, representation is about more than presence. It carries responsibility. It means ensuring our lived experiences are reflected in policy and translated into real outcomes for our communities. Steven has approached public service with that understanding.

He is rooted in Western Queens, across Woodside, Sunnyside, Elmhurst, and Maspeth. In Little Manila, from 69th Street to Dr. Jose Rizal Street near St. Sebastian’s. In our parishes. In our small businesses. In the neighborhood institutions that anchor our people. He shows up for immigrants, workers, families, and seniors. And he brings communities together to get things done.

Over two terms in the Assembly, he has built a record defined by accountability and tangible results. He has earned trust across Senate District 12 through steady, consistent service. The State Senate offers a broader platform and greater capacity to deliver for working families. We believe he has the experience, relationships, and grounding to meet that moment.

As he weighs this decision, our Club will continue to follow our member driven endorsement process. That commitment remains firm. At the same time, we want to be clear about where our heart is. If he chooses to run, we are prepared to mobilize from day one, to organize, to build coalitions, and to help assemble the broad, people-powered campaign it will take to win in Western Queens and deliver lasting progress for all New Yorkers.

At a time of rising costs, uncertainty, and renewed attacks on immigrants and communities of color, we need leadership that is rooted, tested, and ready. Steven Raga represents a new generation of Filipino American and AANHPI leadership grounded in service, partnership, and results.

Election Night, November 2022. A new chapter for Filipino American civic leadership in New York.