Uber driver Hailing Chen is officially launching his campaign for City Council on Sunday at I.S. 237, located at 46-21 Colden Street.
Chen has been active during the pandemic fighting for safety precautions for rideshare drivers and other essential workers.
“We must fight for immigrants’ rights because we are a nation of immigrants,” he said. “We must fight for workers’ rights to make sure all New Yorkers can support their families and live safely during the pandemic and beyond.”
The 28-year-old began driving for Uber shortly after graduating from St. John’s University. He has organized with the Independent Drivers Guild, an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which endorsed Chen.
Chen is hoping to succeed term-limited Councilman Peter Koo. The race has picked up intensity as more candidates have joined the fray.
In addition to Chen, other candidates include congressional aide Sandra Ung, Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce executive director John Choe and former CPC Nan Shan Senior Center director Neng Wang.
More recent candidates to enter the race include former Queens borough president candidates Dao Yin and Anthony Miranda.
According to the latest filings, Chen has raised nearly $34,000, and with matching funds, has an estimated $88,000 on hand.
The fundraising leader in this race is Ung, who raised more than $87,000 in private funds and has north of $177,000 left.