Mary Zobaida Gains Strong Local Support in District 36 Campaign

Astoria residents have thrown their support behind Mary Zobaida, a candidate for the New York State Assembly in District 36, at a campaign event held on 20 August in a local restaurant.

The meeting, chaired by community leader Emad Ahmed Chowdhury and moderated by Astoria Welfare Society’s General Secretary Mohammad Javed Uddin, drew a large crowd of Bangladeshi community members and local activists.

Speakers at the event praised Zobaida’s long-standing commitment to education, healthcare, housing, and other essential rights for the community. They said her candidacy was not only about personal ambition but about representing the voices of the district’s diverse residents.

Addressing supporters, Zobaida said: “I am not running for myself; I am running to represent the community. For those unable to make their voices heard, I will continue to fight in Albany and beyond for housing and food security, quality education, and universal health insurance.”

Prominent figures in attendance included community activist leaders from Queensbridge, campaign communication strategist James Corzo, and Astoria Welfare Society’s President Sohel Ahmed. Leaders from Bangladeshi organisations such as the Bangladesh Society, Kulaura Bangladeshi Association USA, and Bianibazar Social and Cultural Society USA were also present, alongside dozens of Astoria residents.

The gathering highlighted growing momentum in support of Zobaida, as community members rallied around her vision for stronger representation and social justice in District 36.