FLUSHING, New York — In a packed hall at the Crown One banquet venue in Queens, Steven Wang kicked off his campaign for New York City Council District 20 on Aug. 7 with a spirited fundraiser that drew in dozens of community members and small business owners. Speaking to Vision Times, Wang directly addressed the concerns of Chinese-American constituents, many of whom feel disillusioned by what they see as growing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence in their neighborhoods.
Against a backdrop of red, white, and blue, as well as a large digital banner displaying his campaign slogan, Wang shared his personal journey, political convictions, and a platform centered on public safety, supporting immigrants, and defending democratic values.
Wang, who immigrated from mainland China, introduced himself to the crowd with candor and conviction. “I’ve lived here for over 24 years,” Wang said in Mandarin Chinese. “I’ve seen how things have changed — and not always for the better.” He noted that he was stepping up to run for office because he could no longer ignore the worsening conditions in Flushing, particularly what he described as “髒亂差,” a phrase meaning dirty, chaotic, and low-quality in Chinese.
Calling out communist influence in local politics
But beyond trash and traffic, Wang’s main concern was what he called the “increasing infiltration” of CCP influence in local politics. “The CCP’s influence is too strong. I don’t want to see the conditions of mainland China brought into the U.S.”
He accused certain politicians of acting as proxies for the CCP, referencing alleged financial influence channeled through individuals in the Fujianese community. Wang even named specific elected officials in Flushing and Brooklyn whom he believes have been compromised. “They’ve spent a lot of money to install their preferred candidates,” he said, as he promised to target rising corruption and crime if elected.
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In comparison, Wang’s campaign pledges to remain independent via a grassroots approach. He called on the local Chinese-American community to reject “黃賭毒” — gambling, drugs, and prostitution — and avoid importing corrupt practices from the mainland to America. “We must not bring over mainland China’s way of doing things,” he added.
“The CCP has become far too powerful here,” Wang warned. “They’re using money and proxy figures like certain so-called community leaders to manipulate our elections and push their own interests.”
In addition, Wang does not support the Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. He believes Sliwa does not represent the values of the Republican Party and has no difference from any Democratic politician in the city.
Restoring public safety and clean streets
Wang also emphasized public safety as a cornerstone of his campaign, calling for increased law enforcement presence and enhanced patrolling throughout Queens. “I will fight to give the police more authority to enforce the law,” he said.
He also spoke of forming civilian patrols and mentioned organizing neighborhood watches under the “長謝協會” (Chang Xie Association) to help monitor Main Street and its surrounding areas. He framed these efforts as essential for protecting pedestrians, boosting small business, and encouraging local economic growth.
Wang believes improving Flushing’s streets — from sanitation to lighting — will help uplift small businesses and stimulate more sustainable growth. “There are so many grassroots small businesses here,” said Wang. “I will help promote the local economy because, right now, it’s not even safe for people to walk around at night.”
A key part of Wang’s platform is also supporting new immigrants, especially those without legal documentation, by advocating for transparent and lawful processes. “If someone is undocumented, they must go through the legal immigration process,” he said, adding, “I will do my best to help undocumented folks find a legal pathway to citizenship.”
For immigrants who are already lawful residents, Wang wants to ensure they have access to healthcare, job opportunities, and safe working environments. “I will do my best to protect their health and working conditions,” he pledged.
A defender of religious freedom
One of the key values featured on Wang’s campaign flyer was the protection of religious freedom — a point he reiterated at the event. “Religious freedom is essential for protecting individual rights,” he said, warning that without these protections, society risks slipping into “authoritarian dictatorship.”
“Everyone has different beliefs; no one has a monopoly on truth,” Wang said, stressing that as long as a religion does not violate public laws it should be protected under the Constitution.
Wang concluded his fundraiser by sharing a hopeful vision of Flushing — not just as an ethnic enclave, but as a community that contributes to the broader American fabric. “We want to promote Flushing’s unique Chinese cultural characteristics to the surrounding cities,” he said. He also believes that Flushing can set an example by improving its infrastructure and embracing lawful conduct. “I hope Chinese Americans understand that they should not violate U.S. law,” he urged.
As the race for City Council District 20 heats up, Steven Wang has positioned himself as a tough-on-corruption, pro-democracy candidate with deep roots in the community — and a vision for reclaiming Flushing from what he describes as “foreign manipulation and internal decay.”
New York’s City Council elections are slated for Nov. 4, 2025. Early voting begins Oct. 25 – Nov. 2. For more information on Wang’s campaign, including how to donate and attend upcoming events, please visit his website here.
