New York City Councilmember Julie Won officially filed to run for New York’s 7th Congressional District, joining a competitive Democratic primary to succeed the retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez. The district covers areas of Queens and Brooklyn, such as Long Island City, Sunnyside, Greenpoint, Bushwick, and Williamsburg.
Won has made her personal experience and progressive record central to her campaign. She highlighted that she is the only immigrant and mother in the race and called for a federal guarantee of “a lifetime of care,” including universal government-funded child care, paid maternal leave, and burial assistance. “People deserve choices,” she stated, emphasizing her goal of offering voters an alternative outside factional politics.
The 7th district’s primary already features Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, endorsed by Velázquez, and Assembly Member Claire Valdez, supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Won clarified that she is not a DSA member, though she aligns with many of its policy priorities, including expanding housing and bringing free Wi-Fi to NYCHA developments in her district.
The primary for the open seat is expected to draw significant attention, with voters weighing candidates’ progressive credentials, personal experience, and community ties in a district known for both its diversity and active political engagement.
