As New York prepares for its primary elections on June 23, a notable shift is occurring within the Democratic Party. Candidates with personal ties to immigration are stepping forward, challenging the party’s stance on immigration and advocating for more robust protections for immigrant communities. These candidates, many of whom have experienced the immigration system firsthand, are running on platforms that prioritize immigration reform, aiming to unseat Democratic incumbents and bring about meaningful change.
The upcoming elections feature a diverse group of candidates, each with a unique story and a shared commitment to advocating for immigrant rights. From the daughter of a Palestinian refugee to the son of Korean street vendors, these candidates are bringing their personal experiences to the forefront of their campaigns, challenging the Democratic Party to be more proactive in protecting immigrant communities.
Challenging the Status Quo
Aber Kawas, a community organizer running for the New york state Senate in Queens, is one of the many candidates pushing for change. Kawas, whose father was detained and deported by ICE, is challenging Assembly member Steven Raga. She argues that the Democratic Party has failed to be bold and proactive in protecting immigrant communities. “They have failed to be bold and proactive in protecting immigrant communities,” Kawas stated, emphasizing the need for transformative change within the party.
Kawas is not alone in her critique. Darializa Avila Chevalier, running for Congress in New York’s 13th congressional district, lists “Abolish ICE” as her first priority. Chevalier, an Afro-Latina daughter of Dominican immigrants, is challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat. She advocates for free legal representation for immigrants navigating the complex immigration system and supports the American Dream & Promise Act to provide a path to citizenship for DREAMers and TPS holders.
Personal Stories Driving Political Change
Chuck Park, the son of Korean immigrants who sold clothes on Canal Street, is running against Democratic incumbent Grace Meng. Park’s personal connection to immigration is evident in his campaign, which emphasizes the need for action to protect immigrant communities. “My exact story is what is under attack right now,” Park said, highlighting the importance of his immigrant identity in his campaign.
Samantha Kattan, an Arab-Latina running for the New York State Assembly, also brings a personal perspective to her campaign. Kattan, whose father passed away in 2026, is endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. She aims to continue her work as a housing organizer and push for the landmark New York For All legislation, which seeks to end local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The New York For All Legislation
The New York For All bill, first introduced in 2026, is a central piece of legislation for many of these candidates. The bill aims to end local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and provide protections for immigrants in New York. Candidates like Kawas and Kattan are advocating for an expanded version of the bill, which would prohibit state and local contracts with ICE facilities and Flock Safety, an AI-enabled technology that they argue violates privacy rights.
These candidates are not only challenging the Democratic Party’s stance on immigration but also pushing for broader reforms within the party. They argue that the party has failed to meet the needs of immigrant communities and that it is time for a change. With early voting underway and election day on June 23, the outcomes of these primaries could signal a significant shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to immigration.