For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
70 Executive Directors of Organizations Working in the Latino Community Meet with New York City Primary Mayoral Candidates
The forums, organized by Hispanic Federation, delved into issues that concern the Latino community, such as the economy, education, public safety, among others
New York, NY – This week, Hispanic Federation led a series of Mayoral forums where primary candidates for New York City Mayor engaged with Latino community leaders from all five boroughs. The purpose of the forums was to connect candidates with leaders of our communities to hear about Latino New Yorkers needs and concerns. Hispanic Federation’s network stressed the importance of engaging and addressing the concerns Latinos and vulnerable New Yorkers if they are to become our next mayor. Participants in the forum reiterated the importance of accountability in relationships with the candidates, emphasizing the idea that candidates who talk in the community today must deliver on promises after election day.
The in-person forums – held for the fourth straight cycle – included 70 CBO leaders who highlighted the issues impacting Latinos in New York City. During the meetings, candidates elaborated on how they plan to address the Latino communities’ concerns around the economy, education, immigration, affordable housing, and many other issues. The forums also took place as Hispanic Federation, and many partners who joined the meeting are working to mobilize Latino voters to participate in the June primary.
“Far too often, the Latino community has been given empty promises to deliver on a dream that never comes to fruition. This week, we made it clear that delivering on the promises for the Latino community would also lead to the future success of New York City,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “Latino voters respond when candidates engage with our community in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter, such as by addressing our pocketbook concerns and our ability to stay where we call home. I am excited to see so many candidates who were able to sit down and truly connect with our partner organizations, who are doing the work every day to address concerns about the issues impacting our community. I remain committed to making sure that whoever is mayor of New York City will meaningfully engage with our community and help us to build a New York City where all New Yorkers can thrive.”
As nonpartisan nonprofits, the organizations will not endorse any candidates, but candidate participation in the forum demonstrates their willingness to commit to meaningfully engage with the community.
Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Whitney Tilson all met with Latino community leaders this week. Andrew Cuomo and Zellnor Myrie committed to meeting with leaders before early voting begins. The meetings this week and in the coming weeks included all current candidates polling over 1%.
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About Hispanic Federation: Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 43 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
