Julie Won enters crowded race to replace Velázquez in NY-7

New York City Council Member Julie Won poses while walking on the runway during “Style Across the Aisle” fashion show, Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025, in New York. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/AP

BOROUGHWIDE — CITY COUNCILMEMBER Julie Won launched a bid Feb. 3 for New York’s 7th Congressional District, joining a competitive and growing field to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez in NY-7, according to Greenpointers.

Won, first elected in 2022 to represent Long Island City, Sunnyside, Astoria and Woodside, is running on a “Lifetime of Care” platform, pitching a cradle-to-retirement agenda as Democrats jockey for positions in the open-seat contest.

“Parents can’t find affordable childcare. Seniors are warehoused or forgotten. Workers are one illness away from losing everything. Immigrant families are being ripped apart by ICE,” Won said in a press release.

The race for NY-7 has drawn many other competitors, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, endorsed by Velázquez as her successor; Queens Assemblymember Claire Valdez; and perpetual candidate and former NY-7 candidate Paperboy Prince. The Democratic Primary is June 23, 2026.

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