Hundreds Rally in Queens as Steven Raga Launches Campaign for State Senate: “Together with Western Queens leadership, we will fight for tenants, working families, and immigrant communities”
By Proggattom Saha Progga:
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., hundreds of supporters gathered under the 43rd Street subway station on Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside, New York, as Steven Raga officially launched his campaign for New York State Senate District 12.
Elected in 2022, Raga currently serves as the Democratic Assemblymember for Assembly District 30. A lifelong Queens resident, he represents the neighborhoods of Woodside, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights in the New York State Assembly. He is now seeking to represent District 12 in the State Senate.
The seat is currently held by Michael Gianaris, whose district includes Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, parts of Elmhurst, and Woodhaven.
Among those in attendance were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Julie Won, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, former Councilmember Jimmy Democratic and Bangladeshi community leaders Fahad Solaiman and Zafar Mohammad; Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim; General Secretary Mohammad Ali; and leaders from the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York, along with community leaders, small business owners, and union members.
Addressing the crowd with a strong and confident voice, Raga thanked supporters and community stakeholders.
“I want to thank our neighbors, elected officials, community leaders, business owners, union members, and friends who have stood with us,” Raga said. “From Sunnyside to Elmhurst, from Jackson Heights to across Western Queens, we have organized together. Seeing all of you here today strengthens our movement.”
Referencing the 46th Street station on the 7 train, known as the “International Express”, Raga emphasized the working-class backbone of the district.
“This train runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, keeping our city moving,” he said. “This is where our neighbors head to work before sunrise and return home late at night. This is LaGuardia Community College. This is Aviation High School. This is where we hold our city together every single day.”
After months of discussions with community stakeholders and elected officials, Raga formally announced his candidacy for State Senate.
“With the leadership of Sunnyside, Woodside, Astoria, Long Island City, Ridgewood, and Jackson Heights, we will fight for tenants’ rights, working families, and progressive change,” he declared. “We all share the responsibility to move forward with urgency, care, and practical results for our community.”
Sharing his personal story as the son of a Filipino immigrant family, Raga spoke about economic instability growing up.
“I know what it means to worry whether your family can stay in the neighborhood you call home,” he said. “Through organizing and coalition-building, we can deliver real resources and meaningful change for our communities.”
Raga’s campaign priorities include lowering the cost of living in New York, strengthening tenant protections, fully funding public universities, expanding access to healthcare, building affordable housing, ensuring affordable childcare, and securing fair wages for working families.
In closing, he urged supporters to stay engaged.
“Talk to your neighbors. Sign up to volunteer. Join this campaign. And if you can, consider making a contribution. Together, we will continue this fight.”
The campaign kickoff in Western Queens has already sparked significant political conversation and sets the stage for a competitive race for State Senate District 12.
