Preferred Candidate ★ Jordan Wright
Age: 29
Occupation: Chief of Staff, NYC Councilmember Yusef Salaam
Education: Syracuse University (B.A)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Jordan Wright was born to a well-known political family in Harlem. His father represented this seat for nearly 24 years and now chairs the Democratic County Party; his grandfather was a State Supreme Court judge. Wright says he spent much of his life in the civic circles of Harlem, and has also worked teaching and in after-school programs. Last year, Wright ran Yusef Salaam’s campaign for City Council, and after Salaam’s surprising victory Wright was appointed his chief of staff. He is now running to represent the same area in the Assembly. Wright supported all CU’s policy questionnaire items, including the ones meant to reduce influence of parties over elections, and suggested that the New York City Board of Elections needs representation for independent, unaffiliated voters, instead of only Democratic and Republican commissioners. Wright made a compelling case for his “independence” despite his close ties with party leadership, and exhibited a good understanding of state politics and reform issues. We prefer him in his race because of his commitment to reform issues, and his ability to deliver on the community’s priorities.
Shana Harmongoff
Age: 46
Occupation: Full Time Candidate
Education: South Carolina State University (B.S.); Appalachian School of Law (J.D., J.M.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Shana Harmongoff is an attorney who previously served as a staffer for former State Senator Brian Benjamin. Among other things, she oversaw pandemic relief efforts in Harlem and East Harlem. Her campaign focuses on advocacy for senior rights and supporting seniors, and she stresses being the only candidate in the race with experience working in the legislature. Harmongoff demonstrated impressive communication skills and creativity in her responses to policy questions. She supported all of CU’s reform agenda.
Maria Ordoñez
Age: 24
Occupation: State Committee Member in Assembly District 70
Education: Columbia University (B.S.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Born and raised in Harlem, Ordoñez is a community activist and tenant organizer. She is a Local Political Director of the Manhattan Young Democrats, party State Committee
Member for this district, and a member of Executive Committee Member in New York
Progressive Action. She is running to represent the people of West Harlem, who she says have been neglected by party leaders. Her campaign prioritizes housing and healthcare issues. Ordoñez supported all of CU’s reform agenda, and showed deep familiarity with problems related to election administration, noting that same-day voter registration and transparency in campaign finance would be her legislative priorities. Citizens Union was impressed by her dedication to this district, and believes her energy and knowledge will lead to a promising future in this field.
Joshua Clennon
The candidate responded to the questionnaire but was removed from the ballot.
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Craig Schley
The candidate was not available for an interview.