Claire Valdez on Running for Congress as a Socialist in NY-07

Campaign for New York's 7th Congressional District

• 🎯 Claire Valdez, a New York State Assemblyperson, is running for New York's 7th Congressional District, a progressive area that voted significantly for Zoran Mandani.
• labor organizer with the UAW, Valdez emphasizes the need for more union members and direct labor movement connections in Congress.

Background and Labor Organizing Experience

• 💡 Valdez's background includes extensive work in customer service and low-wage jobs, leading her to find power and advocacy through the UAW.
• 🤝 She served on the bargaining committee at Columbia University, fighting for better wages and conditions for clerical and call center workers.
• ✊ Her campaign is endorsed by Sean Feain, president of the UAW, highlighting the union's recent transformation and social justice work, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Political Radicalization and Foreign Policy Stance

• 🌍 Valdez identifies the invasion of Iraq as a key moment that radicalized her, leading to a lifelong anti-war activism.
• 💰 She views the war as driven by profit and the military-industrial complex, shaping her perspective on US foreign policy.
• 🇵🇸 Valdez is unequivocal in her condemnation of the actions in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and opposing US complicity.
• 🚫 She supports an arms embargo, both defensive and offensive, citing concerns over Palestinian human rights.

DSA and Political Differences

• 🌟 Valdez has been a member of New York City DSA for nearly seven years, valuing its democratic processes and empowering working-class members.
• 🗣️ She contrasts her movement-based approach with that of her opponent, Antonio Reynoso, emphasizing organic leadership development within DSA.
• 🏛️ Valdez aims to bring this focus on building democracy and empowering working people to Washington D.C., especially in opposition to what she terms a "fascist administration."

Policy Positions: Abolish ICE and Housing Crisis

• 🚫 Valdez advocates for the abolition of ICE, citing its militarization, unconstitutional actions, and violence against civilians and protesters.
• 🤝 She supports know-your-rights trainings and public demonstrations to advocate for immigrant neighbors and ensure they have legal representation.
• 🏘️ Regarding the housing crisis, Valdez supports repealing the Faircloth Amendment to allow for more public housing construction.
• 💰 She also calls for fully funding existing public housing developments and building social housing, citing successful models in Barcelona.
• 🏢 Valdez aims to challenge the influence of the real estate industry in New York City.

Campaign Support

• 💻 Supporters can donate and get involved at claongress.com.