When incumbent Democrat Carolyn Maloney was considering a possible United States Senate run, another Democrat was setting her eyes on the 14th Congressional seat.
Now, Reshma Saujani, 34, who describes herself as a more progressive Democrat than Maloney, may be the most serious challenger to the seat Maloney has held for the past 18 years.
“We really learned that people were looking for new leadership and new ideas in Congress,” said Saujani, while eating a grilled cheese sandwich at the Court Square Diner before heading off to a small business canvas in Long Island City.
Saujani began receiving attention early on in the race when she reported more than $800,000in campaign contributions during the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of this year. Saujani said that she knew Maloney would likely have a two or three to one advantage in spending during the campaign, but she has used a combination of small fundraisers at houses and apartments and an infusion of new media to produce the impressive totals.
“I think we have been very effective in using Twitter, Facebook and new media to bring out other outsiders like us,” Saujani said.
The 14th Congressional District is predominantly made up of neighborhoods on the east side of Manhattan, but also includes areas in Astoria and Long Island City. Saujani’s campaign has put a specific emphasis on Queens, with the candidate making frequent appearances in the borough – a place Saujani believes has not received enough attention during Maloney’s tenure.
“People are upset,” said Saujani, who believes her personal story will resonate with the ethnically diverse population in the Queens district. “You walk around and you feel it and you see it every day.”
While the economy, specifically creating jobs in the small business and entrepreneurial sector, is Saujani’s top priority, she also said that immigration would be an issue she tackles immediately.
“As a daughter of political refugees, I think what has happened in Arizona is disgusting,” Saujani said. “I think New York City as a city of immigrants can really be the leader in this fight saying this is America and this isn’t right. To really rebuild our economy we can’t build another broken immigration system.”
Although Saujani recognizes that she faces an uphill battle in defeating Maloney in a September primary, she is also completely focused on the campaign’s mission.
“We’re bringing Democracy back to the people,” she said.
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Photo Courtesy of the Saujani Campaign
Reshma Saujani stands with supporters at an immigration rally.
