Alicia Vaichunas’ campaign to succeed term-limited Robert Holden in the City Council has achieved a significant milestone in unprecedented time.
Vaichunas aims to replace Holden as the representative for District 30, which includes the neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale.
In just five days since the launch of her campaign, she has raised $15,275 from 201 contributors, with nearly 80% of contributions coming from District 30 residents and an average donation of $76.
170 District 30 contributors provided $12,045, of which $11,650 was matchable. Meanwhile, 28 New York contributors from outside the District gave $2,955, of which $2,430 was matchable.
Matchable funds give candidates a strong incentive to finance their campaigns by engaging with average New Yorkers instead of seeking large contributions from special interests. The voluntary public financing program matches small-dollar contributions from individuals who reside in New York City, helping to amplify the voices of New Yorkers in city elections. After the election, candidates who have received public funding must return any remaining funds to the city.
Vaichunas also received $275 from three contributors outside of New York City, which is not matchable.
“Fundraising is the least appealing part of running a campaign, but I’m deeply touched by the excitement and support from my neighbors,” stated Vaichunas.
“I feel truly blessed by this outpouring of contributions and encouragement—it shows that I am the candidate of the people of District 30. I’m not a Johnny-come-lately or a fair-weather friend. I’ve been a civic leader for decades, working closely with Council Member Bob Holden to fight for our community. I have a lifetime of fighting for you, and I’m ready on day one to continue doing so in the City Council.”
She has been a key member of Holden’s team for nearly eight years. Her work has included championing constituent services, advocating for public safety, and addressing critical quality-of-life issues.
Her support for Holden began well before he took office. She worked alongside him and the Juniper Park Civic Association to protect the community, and he is now returning that support.
“Alicia Vaichunas has been a trusted civic leader and a tireless advocate for our community for decades,” said Holden. “Her campaign’s rapid success in qualifying for matching funds shows the deep support she has from her neighbors. I’m confident that she’ll be ready out the gate to continue the great work my office has done for the last seven-plus years.”
Vaichunas is a longtime Maspeth resident, civic leader, and the current Deputy Chief of Staff for Holden.
Among her many achievements, she led efforts to block the Holiday Inn from being converted into a homeless shelter in 2016, exposed the Maspeth High School admissions scandal that ignored parochial school students, and fought tirelessly to secure better educational opportunities as a former PTA President at PS/IS 49.
Also, in 2020, she helped Stefania Mazzini, a Middle Village resident, get back $14,000 after being the victim of a phone scam by filing a police report on her behalf and getting the Queens DA’s Office involved.
“When you get money back for these constituents, it makes you feel great,” Vaichunas said at the time. “It makes coming to work worthwhile.”
