Decisive Victories Across the City Underscore the Power of Parent-Led Movement for Bold Education Reform
NEW YORK – In the first major citywide test of political strength this election season, StudentsFirstNY-backed candidates for City Council delivered decisive wins across New York City in the final Democratic primary results. The education advocacy group, which mobilized public school parents in six key races, saw five of its supported candidates win, a reflection of the growing grassroots movement calling for bold action and accountability in New York City’s public schools.
“As final results confirm, parent power won at the ballot box. Our grassroots coalition propelled five pro-student candidates to victory across the city – a big success that shows families are demanding bold change in our schools,” said Crystal McQueen-Taylor, Executive Director of StudentsFirstNY. “Public-school parents knocked on thousands of doors, made calls, and shared their stories with neighbors. Regardless of who is in City Hall next year, StudentsFirstNY will keep organizing, growing this movement, and fighting for excellent public education for every child, in every zip code.”
Winning candidates included:
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Council Member Kevin Riley (District 12, Bronx) – re-elected with 75.3% of the vote
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Council Member Althea Stevens (District 16, Bronx) – re-elected with 70.9%
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Council Member Darlene Mealy (District 41, Brooklyn) – re-elected with 65.4% in final round
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Council Member Shaun Abreu (District 7, Manhattan) – re-elected with 63%
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Ty Hankerson (District 28, Queens) – won open seat with 58.8% of final-round votes
Clarisa Alayeto (District 8, Bronx/Manhattan) earned a strong showing in her first campaign, placing third in a competitive field and building significant support for future organizing.
StudentsFirstNY’s independent-expenditure effort invested across these six Council districts, combining digital advertising, direct mail, phone outreach, and a robust field presence. The program contacted tens of thousands of voters – mobilizing a citywide network of parents focused on elevating education as a top ballot-box issue.
About StudentsFirstNY
StudentsFirstNY is a grassroots education advocacy organization dedicated to improving public school options and outcomes for students throughout New York State.
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