Fil-Am Steven Raga wins primary election for New York state assemblyman

NEW YORK - A Filipino-American won the primary election for assemblyman in New York state on Tuesday, June 28 (June 29, Philippine time).

Steven Raga became the first Fil-Am to win the primary election for assemblyman of District 30 in Queens, New York, covering Woodside, Elmhurst, Sunnyside and Maspeth where many Filipinos reside.

He won 70% of the votes as against his opponent Ramon Cando who only got 30%.

In November 2022, Raga will go up against the bet of the Republican Party for the seat of assemblyman of New York state.

Raga was born in Queens, New York but went back to San Pablo, Laguna when his father became ill. His father later passed away.

He graduated from Stony Brook University in New York with a bachelor's degree in political science and finished his master of arts degree in international human rights law at American University in Cairo. He also holds a master of arts degree in public policy.

Raga had his internship at the Center for International Law in Makati City and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers in Quezon City.

In the US, he became a community leader and member of various organizations.

Raga was New York state chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, and member of the board of directors of both the Pilipino American Unity for Progress and Filipino Children's Fund.

He was also among those who worked on New Women Foundation's final report for the United Nations regarding domestic compliance of women’s rights.

Raga also became chief of staff of former New York Assembly member Brian Barnwell.

He was also among those who lobbied for the recognition of part of Roosevelt Avenue as Little Manila in Woodside, Queens, New York.

For his election bid, Raga enjoyed the support of a diverse community and politicians. —Dave Llavanes Jr./KG, GMA News