Queens voters will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of New York City government as all 51 City Council seats are up for grabs in the 2025 election cycle. With several incumbents term-limited and new challengers stepping into the spotlight, the borough is home to some of the city’s most closely watched and competitive races.
Candidates are vying to represent a borough that continues to grow in population and diversity, bringing new urgency to local issues like housing, public safety, transit, and education.
The primary election will be held on June 24, followed by the general election on November 4. Ranked-choice voting will once again be used in the primaries, giving voters the opportunity to rank up to five candidates in each race.
In Northeast Queens, District 19’s 2025 City Council race will feature incumbent Republican Council Member Vickie Paladino and Democratic challenger Alexander Caruso. The district includes neighborhoods such as College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, and parts of Flushing. Elections in District 19 are often competitive, with past results reflecting a closely divided electorate. While both candidates emphasize community support and development, they offer distinct approaches and policy priorities.
Vickie Paladino: Incumbent Republican with conservative stances
Council Member Vickie Paladino was first elected to represent District 19 in the New York City Council in 2021. In 2025, she was appointed Minority Whip by the council’s Republican delegation. A lifelong resident of Whitestone, Paladino was born to working-class parents; her father, a World War II veteran, passed away when she was six years old, and her mother raised her and her siblings. Before entering public office, Paladino spent more than 40 years as a small business owner and was active in local civic organizations. In the City Council, she has prioritized support for small businesses, public safety initiatives, and efforts to maintain quality of life in northeast Queens neighborhoods. Paladino has also been a vocal opponent of congestion pricing, migrant shelter expansions, and COVID-19 mandates.
Alexander Caruso: Democratic challenger with grassroots support
Alexander Caruso, a substitute teacher and political organizer from Bayside, is challenging the incumbent in the 2025 City Council race for District 19. Caruso was born and raised in Bayside to an Italian father and Colombian mother, both of whom work in the legal profession. Inspired by his experience as an educator, Caruso is running on a platform focused on addressing the city’s housing crisis, improving educational resources, and increasing community engagement in policymaking. He has been active on social media to engage younger voters and highlight local issues, positioning himself as a new voice for the district.
District demographics and political landscape
District 19 has a diverse population throughout its neighborhoods. The area is approximately 53% White, 28% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 2% Black, and 2% other. District 19 is mostly democratic, with 49.9% registered Democrats, 20.3% Republicans, and 25.9% without party affiliation.
