NEW YORK CITY — Filipino-American Steven Raga was voted assemblyman of New York state in the recent US midterm elections.
Raga became the first Filipino-American ever elected to the lower house of the New York state legislature. He is 39 years old, a millennial.
Raga, a Democrat, won against Republican challenger Sean Lally during Tuesday’s general election.
Why it matters
“His election win today makes him the highest ranking elected Filipino official in the East Coast. You made your kababayan proud! Mabuhay ka! ,” Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato tweeted.
Son of Laguna immigrants
Raga was born and raised in Woodside, Queens, New York City. His parents, who hail from San Pablo, Laguna, migrated to the US decades ago.
“This neighborhood means a lot to me, I look forward to advocating for defending our rights and working in partnership with our other legislators to bring more values to all New Yorkers, especially to Asian Americans,” Raga said during his victory with friends, community leaders and volunteers.
Challenges during campaign
RepublicAsia asked Raga about his biggest challenges during his campaign. His reply: fund-raising.
“People who support me don’t have a lot of money, but we survived. But I wanna make sure, all Fil-Ams and all immigrants are getting proportionate resources, especially funding,” Raga said.
Why Fil-Ams support Raga
Potri Ranka Manis, a volunteer and supporter of Raga, said the Filipino-American are not quite political, always thinking twice before realigning themselves to a political goal.
“Now we can actually uplift our condition if we will properly align it and that will be given action and the lobbying will not be hard anymore, so welcome New York State Assembly Steve Raga, Congratulations!” Manis said.
Raga’s political background
This is not the first time Raga tried to venture into politis.
“Losing the primary election for councilman in Queens, New York City two years ago became my foundation to win this State Assembly Election. I’ve learned a lot from all my mistakes that year,” Raga said.
He worked as a Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Brian Barnwell for four years. Recently, he was the Executive Director for Woodside on the Move, a social service and advocacy non-profit located in Woodside.
