Republican-turned-Democrat Fil-Am runs for New York City Public Advocate
Angela Aquino / CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK CITY — A Filipino American, formerly a conservative Republican and now a registered Democratic candidate for Public Advocate, has confirmed that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s team has reached out to her regarding potential collaboration for her campaign. However, she firmly denied any rumors of a political alliance, emphasizing her commitment to serving the people of New York City.
In an exclusive interview with Inquirer.net USA, Angela Aquino, a single mother and domestic violence survivor, acknowledged communication from Cuomo’s camp but clarified, “I am open to conversations that center on real solutions for New Yorkers.”
“My focus has always been on service, integrity, and delivering results—and any collaboration must align with those principles,” she said. “It’s important that any discussions we have prioritize the needs of our communities and focus on tangible outcomes that can improve the lives of everyday New Yorkers.”
Aquino, who runs a nonprofit called Equal Rights for Children, stated that while she has not accepted any formal alliance, she expressed gratitude for the conversation with the former governor and reiterated her primary mission to advocate for the safety, prosperity and future of New Yorkers.
“My priority remains the people of this city,” she said, noting that her decisions would be guided by her commitment to meaningful change.
“I believe that leadership should be about listening to the voices of the people, understanding their struggles and working tirelessly to provide solutions that address their most pressing concerns.”
The dynamics of political affiliation have raised eyebrows, particularly given Aquino’s conservative Republican background in contrast to Cuomo’s Democratic leadership.
Angela Aquino / CONTRIBUTED
Aquino, who said she is now a registered Democrat, responded to concerns by stating, “Leadership is about service, not partisanship.”
“The challenges facing New Yorkers—crime, education, economic recovery—are not Democrat or Republican issues; they are human issues that demand real solutions. I believe in a governance model that transcends political labels and focuses on what truly matters: improving the lives of our constituents,” she said.
“And let’s be real—New Yorkers don’t have time for political grudges. They care about safer streets, better schools, and a government that actually works. That’s where my focus is. I’ve fought for justice in the courts, in legislative advocacy, and on the ground—whether it was winning a landmark Supreme Court case in the Philippines, fighting for undocumented children’s rights, or helping rescue trafficking victims in the Middle East.
“Leadership isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about delivering for the future. If working with Cuomo means advancing policies that keep New Yorkers safe, fight corruption, and strengthen our economy, then I welcome that conversation.”
Meanwhile, Aquino criticized current Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for prioritizing asylum seekers over struggling New Yorkers.
She said undocumented immigrants are “given free housing in luxury hotels, prepaid debit cards and healthcare” while lifelong New Yorkers struggle to afford rent, put food on the table or get the assistance they desperately need.
“Jumaane Williams has not only ignored this imbalance but actively advocated for it, demanding more benefits for asylum seekers while neglecting the poverty and suffering right here in our city,” she said. “We must ask ourselves: who are we really serving? Our own citizens deserve a government that prioritizes their needs first.”
She emphasized that New York must prioritize its own citizens. “We need real leadership that fights for struggling Black and working-class communities, for single parents, for the elderly, for our veterans—the people who built this city and who should never be treated as an afterthought,” Aquino said.
“We must ensure that resources go where they are needed most—to the people of New York who have worked, contributed, and deserve a government that stands up for them. It’s time we refocused our efforts on the very individuals who have invested their lives into making this city what it is today.”
Aquino’s campaign is deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a domestic violence survivor and single mother.
“Surviving domestic violence has shaped not only who I am but how I lead,” she said. “I understand what it means to feel powerless, to fight for stability, and to rebuild from the ground up. That’s why my advocacy is deeply personal; I know firsthand that survivors don’t need empty promises or performative gestures.
They need real, immediate support. Unfortunately, instead of investing in protection and recovery, the city slashed nonprofit funding for survivors from $5 million to just $1 million. That is not just a budget cut—it’s a betrayal of trust. Women and children fleeing abuse should never have to choose between homelessness and danger. I will fight for stronger protections, emergency housing, direct financial assistance, and trauma-informed programs that help survivors heal and reclaim their lives.”
As she outlines her platform, Aquino has identified her top three priorities: reforming the No-Bail Law to enhance public safety, establishing an independent watchdog to combat governmental corruption, and expanding educational opportunities to empower families. “New Yorkers deserve safe streets,” she asserted.
“The no-bail law is failing victims. Abusers are released back onto the streets with no consequences, only to terrorize their victims again. That cycle must end. I will push for bail reform that prioritizes the safety of survivors, ensuring that repeat offenders and violent abusers are held accountable. Additionally, prevention is just as important as intervention.
That’s why I’m working with SoShell Butterflies CEO Tynecca Velez and other dedicated leaders to empower our youth. Through targeted workshops, we equip young people with the knowledge to recognize warning signs of abuse in relationships, helping them build healthy, violence-free futures. We can’t just rescue survivors—we must stop the cycle before it starts.”
Critically evaluating Williams’ policies, Aquino noted, “Weak leadership has allowed crime to surge, and New Yorkers are paying the price. We cannot afford to ignore the realities that families are facing daily. Crime must be met with consequences, and I believe that gang leaders who recruit youth under 21 are not mentors—they are predators. I will advocate for them to be treated as domestic terrorists and given higher sentences without bail. Protecting our communities starts with protecting our children.”
When asked if she has specific goals for the Filipino American community, particularly regarding immigration issues, Aquino stated, “Absolutely. Immigration is not just a policy issue—it is a human issue that shapes families, livelihoods, and communities. For Filipino Americans and other minorities, the fear of deportation and uncertain legal status disrupts lives—even for those who have built their homes here and contribute meaningfully to society.
“I believe in a fair immigration system that values law-abiding, tax-paying immigrants who strengthen this city. Filipino nurses, caregivers, and essential workers risked their lives during the pandemic, yet many remain in legal limbo. They serve, they pay taxes, and they deserve recognition—not fear.
“I will push for pathways to legalization for those who have proven their commitment to this country. Immigration reform must be addressed at the federal level, and I will advocate for policies that acknowledge the vital role of immigrants—including making the case to President Trump.
“At the same time, New York cannot bear the burden of failed immigration policies while struggling citizens are left behind. Resources must be used wisely to support both hardworking immigrants and lifelong New Yorkers. A strong city is one where opportunity is earned, fairness is upheld and those who contribute have a place to call home.”
