Wei-Li Tjong is a corporate attorney and president of the Seward Park Cooperative, a community of over 5,000 residents. He fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda and emphasized campaign finance reform as a top priority. During his interview, Citizens Union found he possessed detailed knowledge on CU’s issues, and we are confident that he would make reform a genuine priority. His legal background, involvement in local politics as a State Committeeman, and experience managing a large and diverse residential community at Seward Park gave Citizens Union confidence in his ability to navigate Albany effectively from day one. Citizens Union prefers Wei-Li Tjong in this race.

Illapa Sairitupac is a social worker and housing organizer running for this seat for the second time, having finished second to Assembly Member Grace Lee in 2022 with roughly 35% of the vote. He fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda and was among the strongest candidates on CU’s issues in the large field of candidates. Citizens Union commends Sairitupac’s dedication to his district and the strong campaign he has organized.

Mariama James is a Democratic District Leader and longtime community activist best known for her advocacy around 9/11-related diseases and her role in passing the federal Zadroga 9/11 Health Law. James has deeper community roots and a longer track record than most, if not all, candidates we interviewed this cycle. We applaud her for her continued level of engagement and dedication to her district.

Jacky Wong is a former journalist, housing consultant, and longtime Lower East Side community organizer. He spent over a decade reporting on housing and civil rights issues before transitioning to nonprofit housing work, and he currently serves as a Democratic District Leader. He fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda and, in his interview, prioritized transparency surrounding government contracts. Citizens Union appreciates his commitment to the community.

Lilah Mejia is a community organizer from the Lower East Side and a former president of Community Education Council District 1. Like Mariama, she is consistently involved in community efforts and is a strong advocate for the causes she cares about. She fully supported Citizens Union’s reform agenda, and we encourage her continued engagement in public life.