Catalina Cruz joined supporters at D’Antigua Lounge on Wednesday night for a fundraiser featuring comics and show writers.
Cruz, who is running for State Assembly in the 39th Assembly District, talked about how her progressive policies in Albany would “[fight] Trump’s agenda with a plan of real action.”
“It was a fantastic night…[my supporters] understand the importance of supporting progressive leadership. Leadership with a vision independent of corporate funding,” Cruz said.
Cruz elaborated that President Donald Trump’s policies affect constituents not just in Jackson Heights, but also across the district.
“This is an immigrant community, this is a community constantly under attack. This is an LBGTQ community, these are women, these are workers that are constantly under attack by the [Trump] administration that has no love for any of us,” she said.
Cruz with some of her supporters, including Chris Gethard, from the fundraiser. (Photo by Christian Spencer)Although Cruz did not specify her “plan of real action,” she told QCP that her policies would be better than one of her opponents State Assemblymember Ari Espinal (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Corona). The other person running is Yonel Letellier Sosa.
“I want the people to see our different plans that we are offering. The experience, the years and delivering results for the community, and they understand who really, truly represents the community,” Cruz said.
Without mentioning Espinal, Cruz criticized Democrats “toll the line and do what the majority wants them to do.”
At the lounge, audience members, including City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights), saw comedians such as Christie Chiello, Carmen Christopher, Ana Fabrega, and more. The host of the evening was Chris Gethard, known for truTV’s “The Chris Gethard Show.” Gethard is also an active member of the New Vision Democratic Club and felt enthusiastic about performing a comedy show in his neighborhood of Jackson Heights.
“Catalina has a great energy,…[and] she really seems to have a positivity and focus that I like, and I am very glad to have met her,” Gethard said. “I have never been a political comedian, but at the same time, it’s really impossible for it to not show up at your work. If you have a platform and it’s not informing the politics in our country, then there’s something a little wrong there.”
The primary election will occur on Thursday, September 13th.
