With a wave of leftist energy sweeping through New York City, Mary Jobaida, a Bangladeshi-born, Muslim mother of three, has thrown her hat into the ring for the Assembly seat currently held by Zohran Mamdani. As Mamdani eyes the mayoral office, his potential departure would open up a pivotal seat in the left-leaning "Peoples’ Republic of Astoria."

Jobaida, a staunch member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has already begun her campaign efforts, canvassing and connecting with volunteers and donors. Her platform includes bold proposals such as standing up to ICE, making CUNY and SUNY tuition-free, and decriminalizing the theft of food to address hunger. "It’s not practical to arrest someone for stealing nourishment," Jobaida remarked, emphasizing the inefficiency and cruelty in the current system.

The political landscape is ripe for change, with Mamdani's potential exit sparking discussions among various party factions. The Queens Democratic Party, possibly seeking a more moderate replacement, faces a challenge from Jobaida’s progressive agenda. A special election, likely slated for mid- to late-February, would determine who gets to represent this vibrant part of Queens.

Jobaida's political journey is not new to the challenges of elections. In 2020, she narrowly lost a primary challenge against Kathy Nolan in Queens’ 37th Assembly District by just 1,500 votes. Energized by support from local community leaders post-Mamdani’s primary win, Jobaida is confident in her odds. "If it is a special election, it's sealed. I believe it's going to be a piece of cake," she told Playbook.

Outside her political ambitions, Jobaida shares a personal narrative of resilience and gratitude. Arriving in the U.S. shortly after 9/11 with a "pretty messed-up education," she has since transformed her life through community college and a scholarship to NYU. Her experiences have fueled her dedication to public service, from organizing for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign to teaching in public schools.

As New York City navigates complex challenges—from housing crises to ICE enforcement actions—Jobaida sees her role as part of a broader struggle towards a more just and equitable society. "We are passing a very difficult moment as a country, as a community," she reflected, hopeful for a "beautiful America" on the horizon.

The story of Mary Jobaida is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of New York politics, where diverse voices and bold ideas meet the gritty realities of political maneuvering. As the special election approaches, all eyes will be on Astoria, anticipating whether Jobaida’s progressive vision will resonate with voters seeking change.