Ahead of the upcoming New York State primary election, immigrant and stance by endorsing three candidates for key positions in the state and federal races. The endorsed candidates are Yuh-Line Niou for State Senate (District 27), Illapa Sairitupac for State Assembly (District 65), and Brad Lander for Congress (New York’s 10th District).
According to the organisation, these endorsements are part of a broader effort to build a “working-class slate” to resist rising rents, displacement, and strict immigration policies affecting vulnerable communities.
Julie Xu, Chinatown Lead Organizer at CAAAV Voice, stated that working-class and immigrant communities in New York are currently facing three major challenges: increased enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ongoing government austerity measures, and inflation driven by global conflicts. She emphasised the need for elected officials with experience in confronting powerful real estate interests and immigration enforcement policies.
The endorsement process was led by committees of long-time tenant leaders within the organization. Candidates were selected based on their track record in defending tenant rights, expanding rent stabilization protections, and standing against immigration raids. Notably, all three candidates have pledged to reject donations from real estate interests
and organizations such as AIPAC.
CAAAV Voice highlighted that the current economic situation in the United States is becoming increasingly difficult for working-class residents, with housing costs being the most pressing concern. According to available data, more than 62 percent of New Yorkers are burdened with expenses that exceed their income. Average rents in Brooklyn and
Manhattan have reportedly reached as high as $5,000 per month, while wages have remained largely stagnant.
Inflation has further intensified the financial strain. Recent reports indicate that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen to 3.3 percent compared to the same time last year. Rising costs of food, electricity, healthcare, and fuel have significantly increased the cost of living for ordinary residents.
The organization also noted that in recent years, approximately 2.4 million rent-stabilised tenants have experienced rent increases of up to 12 percent. At the same time, landlords have seen notable growth in their net operating income.
CAAAV Voice also pointed to its political involvement in recent years. During the 2025 mayoral election, the organization played an active role in supporting Zohran Mamdani. Through coalition efforts, they mobilized thousands of working-class and immigrant voters, contributing significantly to the election outcome.
Working alongside groups such as DRUM Beats and New York Communities for Change, CAAAV Voice conducted extensive outreach across at least 13 neighborhoods in New York City. Their efforts included multilingual engagement in Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, Toishanese, Sylheti, and Bangla, reaching thousands of residents.
Organizers connected directly with communities in apartment buildings, parks, mosques, schools, senior centers, and neighborhood associations. Many observers view this grassroots mobilization as a key factor in shaping recent political developments in New York.
CAAAV Voice primarily organizes working-class immigrant communities, particularly Chinese and Bangladeshi residents, across New York City. Its members include students, teachers, healthcare workers, taxi drivers, delivery workers, construction workers, restaurant employees, and others from diverse professions.
The organization emphasized that the upcoming primary election is not just a political contest, but a critical moment that will help determine
the future of working-class and immigrant communities in New York.
