Housing costs, health care and immigration enforcement took center stage at a Queens gathering where Democratic Assembly candidate Patrick Martinez met Filipino American residents seeking a voice in the district’s next chapter.
The Sept. 30 meet-and-greet at Purple Dough, hosted by Fil-Am Dems, brought together families, small-business owners, students and community organizers, according to the group’s event recap. Martinez is running to succeed Assemblymember Steven Raga in New York’s 30th Assembly District.
The seat encompasses Woodside, Maspeth, Elmhurst and portions of East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. Martinez faces Republican Brandon Castro in the Nov. 3 general election.
For attendees, the conversation centered on what representation would look like after Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature. Fil-Am Dems President Michelle Amor said the gathering was intended to put Filipino New Yorkers’ concerns into the discussion early.
“We want to make sure the priorities of Filipino New Yorkers are part of the decisions made for this district from the beginning,” Amor said in the recap. “That starts with opportunities like this, where our community can ask questions, share concerns, and help shape the conversation.”
Martinez emphasized the Filipino community’s longstanding presence in the neighborhood and pledged to maintain relationships with its leaders.
“So much of the rich fabric of our neighborhood comes from the impact of generations of Filipinos,” he said, according to the recap. “I understand the importance of continuing Assemblymember Raga’s legacy of making sure all voices in our community are raised up, heard, and seen.”
Martinez, a former teacher and CUNY graduate, has served as a Democratic district leader and a member of Queens Community Board 2. He secured the Democratic nomination after a closely contested primary against retired NYPD Lt. Cmdr. Shamsul Haque, winning by seven votes after a recount, according to published reports.
At Purple Dough, residents asked about housing affordability, including Mitchell-Lama housing, and Martinez’s support for the New York Health Act. They also questioned how he would work with other lawmakers in Albany to advance the district’s priorities.
Immigration questions brought the discussion to residents’ daily routines. Attendees raised concerns about fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement keeping neighbors from school, medical appointments and emergency assistance, according to the organizers’ account. They also discussed knowing their rights and helping one another navigate those concerns.
Martinez said he wanted to work with community leaders to keep Filipino issues represented in state government.
“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,” he said.
Adam Lee, a district resident, Fil-Am Dems member and vice president of membership for Latino Democrats of NYC, welcomed Martinez’s continued engagement with the community.
“His continued presence and support give me confidence that the work already underway for Filipino New Yorkers and our neighborhoods will continue to grow,” Lee said in the recap.
The discussion also made room for lighter neighborhood questions. Martinez identified the district’s small parks and green spaces as an underrated feature. Asked about food, he named Ihawan, adobo and an ice-cold San Miguel — familiar references in a gathering focused on the people and places that make Little Manila home.
The event recap reflects the perspective of its Democratic organizers and participants, rather than a debate between the general-election candidates. Castro was not quoted in the supplied account.
Early voting runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. New York City voters should check their assigned locations because their early voting site may differ from their Election Day polling place.
