Mary Jobaida Receives Support from Community and Religious Leaders in NY Assembly Race

Community and religious leaders have rallied behind Mary Jobaida, a candidate for New York State Assembly District 36, as the race for the vacant seat gains momentum ahead of a special election scheduled for February.

The Assembly seat drew attention after Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City, prompting a special election to fill the position he will vacate upon taking office. Mary Jobaida, a Bangladeshi-American community organizer, has officially entered the race, generating significant interest within the local community.

Jobaida’s candidacy has sparked enthusiasm, particularly due to her previous electoral experience in the district and her long-standing involvement in civic activism and community movements. Many residents see her run as a historic opportunity to elect the first Bangladeshi-American representative to the New York State Assembly, and grassroots campaigning is already underway.

On December 20, more than fifty community and religious leaders issued a joint statement publicly endorsing Mary Jobaida and calling on residents of District 36 to support her in the upcoming special election.

In the statement, the leaders described District 36 as one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods and said they were proud to offer their clear and unequivocal support for Jobaida’s candidacy. They emphasized that the district needs leadership rooted in integrity, service, and a deep understanding of the everyday challenges faced by working families, small businesses, immigrants, seniors, and young people.

The leaders praised Jobaida for her ability to listen before leading, build consensus without compromising principles, and place community needs above partisan politics. They highlighted her consistent commitment to equity, public safety, quality education, affordable housing, and economic opportunity.

According to the statement, Jobaida understands that strong neighborhoods are built through collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, religious leaders, educators, and residents. Her regular presence, engagement, and results-driven approach have helped her earn trust across the district.

“District 36 deserves a representative who reflects its diversity, upholds shared values, and will fight tirelessly for our future in Albany,” the statement said. “Mary Jobaida has the vision, competence, and compassion required to be an effective voice for our district and a principled advocate for all New Yorkers.”

The leaders concluded by urging residents to unite behind a leader they described as ready to serve with dignity, responsibility, and effectiveness, expressing confidence that Jobaida would represent the district with honor if elected.

The joint statement was signed by Signed by prominent community figures, including Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Aftab Mannan, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman Tuhin, Dr. Wahedur Rahman, Arman Chowdhury, Zainal Abedin, S.M.A. Rahman Selim, Amin Mehdi, Fakhrul Islam Delwar, Mohammad Ali, Juhaib Chowdhury, Abdur Rahim Howlader, Badrun Nahar Khan Mita, Imam Shamsi Ali, M. Ago, Imam Kamal, Shahab Uddin Ahmed, Sohel Ahmed, Md. Javed Uddin, Nargis Ahmed, Shafi Uddin Kamal, Azimu Rahman Burhan, Abdul Hasim Hasnu, Ahbab Hussain Chowdhury, Abdus Shahid, Selina Uddin, Alhaj Suleman Bhuiyan, Saleh Uddin Sal, Abdul Wahid Chowdhury Zaki, Dewan Shahed Chowdhury, M.A. Kaiyum, Rana Ferdous Chowdhury, Shahed Delwar Chowdhury, Jamal Uddin Liton, Mohammad Akamol Hossain Khan, Shamsher Ali, Masudul Haque Sanu, Abu Taleb Chowdhury Chandu, Syed Faisal, Abdur Rahman, Dr. Sabita Das, Rashidul Mannan Chowdhury Hesham, Mohammad Shah Newaz, Fakhrul Alam, Belal Chowdhury, J. Molla Sani, A.B.M. Usman Gani, Sheikh Sirajul Islam, Moinur Rahman Suweb, Moinuzzaman Chowdhury, Syed Ilyas Khasru, Badrul Islam Mintu, Jaglul Chowdhury, Rehima Begum, Jahangir Ahmed, Mosahid J. Rashed, Kabir Chowdhury, Nasima Akter, Dr. Barnali Hasan.