Felipe Garcia, a Hunts Level native and first-time political candidate, is difficult incumbent Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez within the NY-14 Democratic main on June 23, providing an alternative choice to what he known as “woke and socialist” politics.
Garcia, who comes from a big Puerto Rican and Dominican Catholic household, instructed the Bronx Instances he sees victory as achievable in opposition to AOC and fellow main candidate Marty Dolan, regardless of operating a tiny marketing campaign with virtually no workers and just some thousand {dollars} within the financial institution.
With Ocasio-Cortez surrounded by hypothesis a couple of run for U.S. Senate and even the presidency, now’s “the perfect time” to mount a problem, Garcia mentioned.
“I’m planning on winning by a landslide,” he mentioned, including that he feels “extremely confident but humble at the same time” about his prospects.
Garcia is a former govt at Mount Sinai, the place he oversaw 12 million sq. toes of hospital area as director of power administration and engineering. However he began as a hospital safety officer, a hit story he mentioned he closely leans on in his marketing campaign.
“I don’t have any friends” in politics, Garcia mentioned. “I’m not a politician, I’m an engineer.”
He attended Cardinal Hayes, Metropolis School and Baruch School, the place he acquired a grasp’s diploma in healthcare administration in 2020.
The concept to run for workplace got here shortly after, when he attended a networking occasion in 2021 and talked with somebody who appeared shocked that anybody may succeed within the Bronx.
The particular person “started talking bad about the Bronx,” saying that few folks may make it out and including, “‘Good thing that you left,’” Garcia mentioned.
“That was the moment I said, who the hell is representing us? Who’s representing us that the Bronx still has a bad reputation?”
Garcia mentioned poor management and unhealthy politics imply that residents are prepared for a recent voice in Congress representing the Bronx and Queens. And naturally, Ocasio-Cortez’s personal upset victory in 2018 —defeating Joe Crowley by simply over 4,000 votes— was a shock to the system that might probably be repeated.
Training, security and well being
Garcia mentioned his high marketing campaign precedence is schooling, which in flip impacts the financial system, public security and different necessary points on residents’ minds.
Younger folks right this moment want extra publicity to careers past NYPD, FDNY, lawyer or physician, based on Garcia. He mentioned too many nice careers, just like the one he had at Mount Sinai, fly underneath the radar.
Garcia mentioned he desires so as to add skilled paths and certifications to the highschool curriculum and provide assured jobs upon commencement in fields equivalent to phlebotomy, safety or meals dealing with. Many of those positions present alternative for development and are “a good kick start” even into union jobs, Garcia mentioned. “This is something the whole country could mimic.”
Garcia is operating for the Congressional district that’s break up between elements of the Bronx and Queens. Picture courtesy Felipe Garcia
He mentioned he additionally prioritizes psychological well being, healthcare and public security — particularly after one among his cousins was shot and killed final 12 months in Soundview. However enhancing academic and profession prospects for younger folks would result in enchancment in different areas, he mentioned.
General, Garcia mentioned if elected, he would “shake up the status quo” by voting with Republicans on any proposals that profit the district and refusing to assist any invoice, even by fellow Democrats, that doesn’t allocate in the direction of his priorities.
“It’s time to really put my district first, and the only way to do that is having someone who’s literally born and bred in the district, with no loyalty to anyone else but the upbringing that they have.”
An instance of Garcia’s bipartisan considering is his assist of a ban on insider buying and selling. He mentioned that within the curiosity of equity, political newcomers like him ought to lead the push to finish the apply of Congress members utilizing privileged data for private monetary acquire. “This proves I’m 100% for the district and not myself,” Garcia mentioned.
‘Woke and socialist’
Garcia mentioned he’s working onerous to interact voters, lots of whom are notoriously checked out throughout non-presidential elections.
And in New York Metropolis, it may be particularly onerous to succeed in those that are merely attempting to outlive and construct an honest life, he mentioned.
“I’m trying to reignite that base, and at the same time, convert some of the AOC fanatics to me,” Garcia mentioned, including that he twice voted for her however is now unconvinced that her illustration is benefiting the district.
The problem goes far past anybody consultant. The Democratic Social gathering right this moment faces a much-discussed id disaster however “was great” within the Nineteen Nineties, based on Garcia. Within the metropolis, even underneath Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani, “Things just ran smooth.”
However right this moment, he mentioned, “The Democratic Party has been hijacked by the woke and socialist party.”
With little or no workers or different help, Garcia mentioned he’s taken on the challenges of getting his title, type and message throughout to voters.
Elevating cash is one main hurdle. Federal Election Fee information present that Garcia’s marketing campaign has simply over $4,000 money readily available, which he mentioned was “not where I wanted to be, but it was not unexpected.”
He mentioned he budgeted greater than $100,000 of his personal money and credit score in the direction of the marketing campaign and has gone all-in on himself and his skill to succeed in voters in his native district.
“I know how hard it is. That’s why I gotta work harder,” Garcia mentioned.
He mentioned his final aim is for others born within the Bronx to decide on to remain, believing that their success within the borough is feasible.
Although he’s working strategically to turn into extra acquainted with the Queens facet of NY-14, his coronary heart and thoughts at all times stick with the Bronx. “It’s the most beautiful place in the world.”
