Juan Ardila (Photo: Juan for Assembly)
May 23, 2022 By Christian Murray
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released a list of nine candidates she is endorsing for state assembly—with one candidate from Queens.
Juan Ardila, who is running to represent the 37th Assembly District that covers western Queens, has got the backing of Ocasio-Cortez—as part of a group of candidates that make up the New York Working Families Party’s “We Can’t Wait” slate.
The slate includes Ardila as well as two candidates from Brooklyn, two from the Bronx, one from upper Manhattan, and three candidates in races north of New York City.
.@AOC is excited to endorse @NYWFP’s #WeCantWait slate
These State Assembly candidates are renters, teachers & parents challenging real-estate-bought politicians who have blocked housing & healthcare for all
Donate: https://t.co/Ui6MKkcfhH
Volunteer: https://t.co/e3LlC4vV2r pic.twitter.com/xpdwiekf8N— Team AOC (@TeamAOC) May 23, 2022
“With skyrocketing rent and rising costs, it’s harder than ever to make ends meet in New York. The nine candidates of New York Working Families Party’s “We Can’t Wait” Assembly slate are parents, teachers, and tenants who know what it’s like to worry about medical bills, eviction, and student debt,” said Ocasio-Cortez in a statement. “Right now, we need leaders at all levels of government laser-focused on delivering for working families.”
Ardila said that he was honored to get Ocasio-Cortez’ endorsement.
“It’s exciting,” Ardila said. “It’s a coveted endorsement, one that you want to have in western queens. “
Ardila said that he is the only true progressive in the race, saying that his three competitors—Brent O’Leary, Jim Magee and Johanna Carmona are more centrist Democrats. The four are vying for the seat that is being vacated by Cathy Nolan at the end of the year.
Ardila said he has a more progressive view when it comes to criminal and social justice than his competitors, arguing that they are more focused on law and order and tightening bail reform laws.
“When, I think about criminal justice I think about the Breonna Taylor’s, George Floyd, the Central Park Five and all the injustices in the world,” Ardila said
He said he wants to address the root causes of crime and is an advocate for investing in mental health services, addressing homelessness, expanding anti-gun violence programs, etc.
Ardila said that his message is resonating with voters—both progressive and moderates.
For instance, he said he has been endorsed by progressives to moderates–whether it be elected officials or unions.
To date, he has been endorsed by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz as well as Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán and Shekar Krishnan. He has been endorsed by several unions including DC37 and 1199SEIU.
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34 Comments
Vote magee
Juan wants more affordable housing – so more 50 story towers, cause developers will only build affordable units if they can subsidize them with many more market rate units. Legalize AUD’s – so we’re talking legalized basements, attics and additional secondary units on primary homes. In the end, will have more people, more density, 50 story towers, some affordable housing, much more luxury housing and even more strain on the community infrastructure. Sounds like a gentrification plan to me.
Anyone else getting pop-up ads for Brent O’Leary every time you click on an article? Is this their way of saying who they’re endorsing or did Brent just give them the most money for ad space?
Yes, it’s annoying. Ignored, just like the pile of flyers left outside my door.
Remember when Juan made homophobic and racist comments and only decided to delete them when they were found? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Didnt you hear? He was endorsed by AOC…..caban…cruz..ramos….bla …..bla….bla……
And he has a 5 point plan to make sure you remember
So nothing he did in the past matters anymore
Do you think he should be cancelled for a comment he made as a teenager?
Do you think Chappelle and Rogan deserved to be cancelled for misinterpreted quotes, being that they are comedians? Progressives are so sensitive that they even turn on their own: JK Rowling and bully queen Tiegen for example. So basically, cancel culture is dictated by liberals. Not so much what they say, but who they are
Rogan and Chappelle aren’t teenagers, and nope, I don’t want em cancelled.
So, yes? You think Juan should be cancelled for a Facebook comment he made as a teen?
Absolutely because if it was a white person who said the same things in the past, you all would be demanding his or her removal from the race.
As a proud Latino, I can see the double standards and hypocrisy of many progressives. Also, Juan was handily beat by Holden. Why Sunnyside? Seems like they just need to get as many progressives to claw their way to power… I’ll pick someone from the Community who knows the community…it’s for sure not Juan,
Did Julie Won endorse anyone? Caban and AOC got news headlines for endorsing Juan.
Did Julie won endorse? Or did her her husband? I forget which one is actually in office
So proud of our diverse community. Team AOC all the way!!
Exactly. He’s got my vote! Who cares what he said in the past. That was a long time ago and people need to get over it.
Lol he’s not part of the community…..Brent is…..Magee is……..Carmona is………..Juan is just trying to get a seat in his next door community to expand the horrible mess AOC has created……… you’re blinded by his claims for “5 point plans” and “endorsements”. If that’s not obvious to everyone……jokes on you later
Last night debate was very interesting. You could clearly see that there was favoritism especially when a candidate is endorsed by AOC. Clearly SSCS does not stay neutral, once the queen, AOC, has spoken and waved her majic wand it’s like ok let’s bend the knee. C’mon SSCS do better especially you Judy just do better we all know that Sunnyside Post and SSCS are working hand in hand. This is a grassroot election and it will not be won by a socialist elected representative who could really care less about her constituent in Queens.
Idk buddy If you passed the debate you would have seen Brent’s posters all over SCS. Seems like that’s who the agency is supporting and he’s not bragging about terrible endorsements. Good guy! Not Juan !!!!!
The new district maps favor politicians who are team AOC. Juan definitely has my vote now.
“Ardila said that he is the only true progressive in the race” yea sure he is. he wants to close rikers and supports bail reform so vote for him if you want crime to continue to rise.
You know who else said that??? Brent!!!!! Vowed to remove school safety agents from our kids schools too.
To all Sunnysiders. Whatever you do, DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS GUY!! He’s another woke pro-criminal idiot and the last thing we need is another one in office!! Thought he was already appointed some fluff gig by Hochul (the fake Governor who is also doing a horrible job and was part of the let’s get rid of Cuomo coup.
I do wonder if she knows about his past and his slander towards the LBTQ community. Even thou I could care less who AOC endorses but I am kind of shocked she would endorse this clown. We need less bike lanes.
AOC endorsed then my mind is made up. I will vote against.
this is why i love this site. it makes it easy to figure out who to not vote for.
“He said he wants to address the root causes of crime …”
Translation: This guy has no clue.
If there is any reason to not endorse this idiot this alone would be it. He is resorting to every dirty trick to win election. If you want crime to increase keep voting for him and don’t complain that our streets are unsafe. Just remember it is the minority community that takes the brunt of the increase in crime and violence.
I’m “offended” that he said something bad on Twitter as a teenager
Actually his racist homophobic posts were on the platform formerly known as Facebook. If James Gunn can continue to have a career so should Juan and everyone else that’s ever done anything offensive in the past. I for one enjoyed Peacemaker.
I am offended at your pitiful attempt at sarcasm and satire. Keep drinking that Koolaid.
Just giving the same energy you all would if it was a non-poc who said those past things.
Thanks for agreeing you’re doing exactly what you criticize the left for ?
AOC made a great choice. He’s got my vote!
Get your own post name and quit poaching mine. Ardila definitely does not have my vote. And buh-bye to AOC and her DSA candidates.
Many people change their minds over candidates. Its ok to flip flop.