Queens Councilmember Vickie Paladino Faces Off Against Challenger Benjamin Chou in Competitive Election
In one of the few competitive elections in Queens, a far-right Republican's unapologetic stance on politics may be put to the test as she faces off against a moderate Democrat. Incumbent City Councilmember Vickie Paladino, 70, has gained notoriety for her provocative social media posts and outspoken stances, including advocating for stricter laws on immigration and supporting the NYPD.
Paladino's opponent, Benjamin Chou, 34, a veteran firefighter running as a Democrat, is pitching himself as an alternative to Paladino's abrasive approach to politics. Chou has campaigned on issues such as raising police officer salaries, investing in parks, and building a specialized high school in Queens.
The election has been seen by some as a test of the MAGA movement's enduring success in conservative areas of Queens. If Paladino loses, it could be an interesting case study in how the movement is losing support in areas where it previously gained traction.
Paladino's tenure on the council has not been without controversy. She has faced criticism for calling Drag Story Hour "child grooming" and advocating for New Yorkers to point green lasers at congestion pricing cameras to break them. Despite this, her supporters argue that her outspoken personality is part of her brand and that her constituents appreciate her willingness to speak truth to power.
However, many voters have expressed frustration with Paladino's divisive rhetoric and lack of legislative achievements. "Her rhetoric is very divisive, very inflammatory," said Grace Downs, 38, who cast her ballot for Chou. "I really want to see a community that's more inclusive, and have a representative that's more inclusive of the community."
The election has also sparked debate about what voters expect from their representatives in Queens. Thomas Paladino, Vickie's son and campaign director, argued that his mother's constituents do not expect her to pass legislation but rather to act as a firewall to support law enforcement.
With early voting underway through Sunday, November 2, the outcome of this election is far from certain. Will Paladino's unapologetic style prevail, or will Chou's moderate approach resonate with voters in Queens? Only time will tell.
In one of the few competitive elections in Queens, a far-right Republican's unapologetic stance on politics may be put to the test as she faces off against a moderate Democrat. Incumbent City Councilmember Vickie Paladino, 70, has gained notoriety for her provocative social media posts and outspoken stances, including advocating for stricter laws on immigration and supporting the NYPD.
Paladino's opponent, Benjamin Chou, 34, a veteran firefighter running as a Democrat, is pitching himself as an alternative to Paladino's abrasive approach to politics. Chou has campaigned on issues such as raising police officer salaries, investing in parks, and building a specialized high school in Queens.
The election has been seen by some as a test of the MAGA movement's enduring success in conservative areas of Queens. If Paladino loses, it could be an interesting case study in how the movement is losing support in areas where it previously gained traction.
Paladino's tenure on the council has not been without controversy. She has faced criticism for calling Drag Story Hour "child grooming" and advocating for New Yorkers to point green lasers at congestion pricing cameras to break them. Despite this, her supporters argue that her outspoken personality is part of her brand and that her constituents appreciate her willingness to speak truth to power.
However, many voters have expressed frustration with Paladino's divisive rhetoric and lack of legislative achievements. "Her rhetoric is very divisive, very inflammatory," said Grace Downs, 38, who cast her ballot for Chou. "I really want to see a community that's more inclusive, and have a representative that's more inclusive of the community."
The election has also sparked debate about what voters expect from their representatives in Queens. Thomas Paladino, Vickie's son and campaign director, argued that his mother's constituents do not expect her to pass legislation but rather to act as a firewall to support law enforcement.
With early voting underway through Sunday, November 2, the outcome of this election is far from certain. Will Paladino's unapologetic style prevail, or will Chou's moderate approach resonate with voters in Queens? Only time will tell.
im thinkin thats a big deal that ppl are actually payin attention to who they vote 4, esp since queens got such diverse communities 
its not just about red vs blue, its about findin someone who reps u and your values 
chou seems like a pretty solid choice tho, cant say i blame voters for gettin frustrated with paladino's antics 
. I mean, come on, calling Drag Story Hour "child grooming" is just out of line 
. And what's with the green laser thing? Who comes up with that stuff? 
It's like they're trying to be some kind of attention-seeker instead of actually representing their constituents. And now they're saying that people in Queens don't expect them to pass legislation, just act as a firewall for law enforcement? That's just lazy 
. Can't we just have some honest, respectful politicians who actually listen to what we want? 
.
). voters deserve better than just drama and empty promises. Queens deserves leaders who are actually gonna lift up their constituents, not just stir up controversy for clicks 
. paladino's gonna get schooled 
but seriously though, it's pretty wild that people are still voting for her despite all that drama 
i mean ben chou seems like a solid candidate, let's see if he can bring some positivity to queens 
The problem is, Vicky's got a big following online, which can be both an asset and a liability. 
It's just not okay, you know? And her whole green laser thing at those congestion pricing cameras... what even is that? 
.
. He's got some solid plans for Queens, and I think his moderate approach could really resonate with voters who are looking for someone who's not going to stir up drama all the time. Fingers crossed for him! 
I mean, what does it say about us as a society when we're constantly torn between these two extremes? Are we really looking for someone who's going to tell us the truth, even if it hurts, or are we just looking for someone who's going to make us feel comfortable and happy?