In Queens' Competitive Council Race, Paladino's Provocative Politics Face Off Against Moderate Challenger
The City Council seat held by 70-year-old Queens Republican Vickie Paladino is one of the few in the city considered competitive, and her far-right stances have sparked intense debate among voters. Running against her is Benjamin Chou, a moderate Democrat who has campaigned on raising police officers' salaries and investing more in parks.
Paladino's reputation as a pro-Trump Republican in a swing district has preceded her, and she has gained notoriety for her provocative social media posts and stance on issues like Drag Story Hour. Her constituents have largely accepted her abrasive approach to politics, but some voters see it as divisive and inflammatory.
Chou, 34, who is running for the first time, has tried to present himself as an alternative to Paladino's style of politics. He has promised to bring a more moderate voice to Queens, one that prioritizes community-building over partisanship.
The question on everyone's mind is whether Paladino's brand of far-right Republicanism can endure in Queens, a traditionally conservative district. Some voters see her as a firewall and a buffer between the city's progressive politics and their own values.
"It shows you the disconnect between the rest of the city and what our voters in this area consider to be controversial," said Thomas Paladino, the councilmember's son and campaign director. "If anything, what they consider controversial, a lot of people around here consider to be common sense."
Paladino's platform is centered on conservative values like supporting law enforcement and opposing measures that would expedite housing construction. Her opponents, however, have criticized her for being too divisive and polarizing.
Chou, who has 11 years of experience as a firefighter, has positioned himself as a leader who can bring people together and address the district's pressing issues. "I think it is dangerous when we start becoming blunt in the sense that it creates this division and creates fearmongering or any sort of polarizing sense in our communities," he said.
As the early voting period comes to a close, voters are making their final decisions on who will represent Queens in the City Council. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the city's politics, particularly in conservative areas like Queens.
The City Council seat held by 70-year-old Queens Republican Vickie Paladino is one of the few in the city considered competitive, and her far-right stances have sparked intense debate among voters. Running against her is Benjamin Chou, a moderate Democrat who has campaigned on raising police officers' salaries and investing more in parks.
Paladino's reputation as a pro-Trump Republican in a swing district has preceded her, and she has gained notoriety for her provocative social media posts and stance on issues like Drag Story Hour. Her constituents have largely accepted her abrasive approach to politics, but some voters see it as divisive and inflammatory.
Chou, 34, who is running for the first time, has tried to present himself as an alternative to Paladino's style of politics. He has promised to bring a more moderate voice to Queens, one that prioritizes community-building over partisanship.
The question on everyone's mind is whether Paladino's brand of far-right Republicanism can endure in Queens, a traditionally conservative district. Some voters see her as a firewall and a buffer between the city's progressive politics and their own values.
"It shows you the disconnect between the rest of the city and what our voters in this area consider to be controversial," said Thomas Paladino, the councilmember's son and campaign director. "If anything, what they consider controversial, a lot of people around here consider to be common sense."
Paladino's platform is centered on conservative values like supporting law enforcement and opposing measures that would expedite housing construction. Her opponents, however, have criticized her for being too divisive and polarizing.
Chou, who has 11 years of experience as a firefighter, has positioned himself as a leader who can bring people together and address the district's pressing issues. "I think it is dangerous when we start becoming blunt in the sense that it creates this division and creates fearmongering or any sort of polarizing sense in our communities," he said.
As the early voting period comes to a close, voters are making their final decisions on who will represent Queens in the City Council. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the city's politics, particularly in conservative areas like Queens.
. Back in my day, we didn't have all these social media platforms and online debates. It was just straightforward, you know? You'd see someone's face on TV or in the paper and that was it.
. I mean, Paladino's being super provocative with her tweets and whatnot, but at the same time, people seem to be eating it up 
. And then you've got Chou, who's trying to be all moderate and community-building-y... I don't know, man, it just feels like everyone's trying too hard to be likable these days 
.
. It's wild how much that's changed since Trump was first elected 
. I mean, some people might see her as a firewall against progressive politics, but others just think she's being super divisive and inflammatory 
.
. Chou's trying to bring a more balanced approach, but it's hard to tell if he'll actually make a difference 
. Either way, this election is gonna be juicy 
.
. Nowadays, it seems like if you're not a little abrasive and polarizing, you're just not taking yourself seriously 
. The thing is, though, Queens is a swing district now...I don't know if anyone's really going to win this thing without being kind of divisive. It's just the way politics has become 
.
I'm just thinking, if Paladino's style is what makes her win in Queens, does that mean the rest of NYC is gonna be all polarized too? 
I don't think so... we're a city of diverse voices and opinions. Maybe it's time for some fresh perspectives to bring people together instead of driving them apart 
. and honestly, its refreshing to see someone like Chou who isnt afraid to speak up and address issues, rather than just pitting people against each other with provocative comments 
Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see who comes out on top.
The city's politics are already pretty divided, I don't need someone who's gonna make it worse 
.