ABOUT MARIA & LUIS
Maria Ordoñez is an activist and organizer born and raised in Harlem. She has organized for tenants rights, environmental justice, and to involve more people into the democratic process. Maria is a County Committee member, was elected in 2020 to represent Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Convention, a former Democratic State Committee member, and ran for New York State Assembly in 2024. As a product of the public school system and a Columbia University graduate, Maria knows that it is important to uplift our community so every Harlemite has an opportunity to succeed. She is currently a Political Director at the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN) where is advocating for progressive legislation and organizing to elect progressives at all levels of government. Maria is strong advocate for tenants rights, education, healthcare for all, a Green New Deal for NYC, civic education, and a transparent, accessible, and inclusive Democratic Party for all New Yorkers.
"It’s time to defeat the political machine, end corruption in our party, and take back the Democratic Party for all New Yorkers!"
-- Maria & Luis Ordoñez
Luis Ordoñez is an activist and organizer born and raised in Harlem. As an organizer for tenants rights, environmental justice, and a more transparent Democratic Party; Luis seeks to uplift the Harlem community that raised him. Luis is a County Committee member and organizes to engage more people into our political process. As a product of the public school system and a CUNY graduate, Luis believes that every Harlemite should have an opportunity to succeed. He was previously a campaign manager and has worked to ensure progressives are elected into public office. Luis is a strong advocate for tenants rights, education, healthcare for all, a Green New Deal for NYC, and transparent, accessible, and inclusive Democratic Party for all New Yorkers.
WEST HARLEM
WEST
HARLEM
Maria & Luis are organizers and activists from Harlem, where they were born & raised. They have organized their community for tenant’s rights, environmental justice, racial justice, and for a more transparent Democratic Party. As the product of the public school system, Maria & Luis believe that every Harlemite should have access to opportunities to succeed. Maria & Luis believe that together as a community we can uplift each other through people power!
MARIA & LUIS ORDOÑEZ'S PLATFORM
Maria & Luis are advocates for:
Affordable Housing & Tenant's Rights: NYC is facing a housing crisis and as people who has seen the negative effects of gentrification in their community in West Harlem, Maria & Luis are advocates for affordable housing, small businesses, and co-governance. Maria & Luis are committed to fighting for tenants, ending homelessness, and fighting against evictions.
Healthcare for All: Healthcare is a human right because everyone deserves access to health care coverage. Maria & Luis are supporters of the New York Health Act.
A Green New Deal for NYC: Environmental justice must be at the forefront of our legislation to ensure that all New Yorkers can live in a sustainable environment. Maria & Luis support and are advocates for a Green New Deal at the federal, state, and municipal level.
Civic Engagement: Advocate for civics classes in public schools, so students learn about registering to vote, local politics, and how to be leaders & advocate for their communities from a young age.
Education Justice: Education is essential for our communities and we must fully fund all public schools. Maria & Luis are advocates for a New Deal for CUNY that would provide students with tuition free access to public colleges/universities.
A Truly Democratic Party: As County Committee members, Maria & Luis, have advocated for a truly Democratic Party. It's time to put an end to the corruption, patronage, and nepotism that exists in our Democratic Party under the political machine that refuse to support women’s rights and refuse to endorse progressives across New York State.
Politics for the People: Politics is local and it is important to engage the community. Maria & Luis believe that everyone should run for office no matter who they are. It's time for change and it's time to get involved. An easy way to give back to our local community is to Run for County Committee!
WHAT IS A DISTRICT LEADER?
DEMOCRACY
Represent the district in the County Democratic Party and ensure that the community's voice and interests are represented. Vote to endorse candidates for elected office. Elect the county Democratic Party Executive committee and County Chair. Advocate for reforms in the county Democratic Party's platform.
COMMUNITY
Listen to the residents about their issues, needs, and be a resource for the community. Be a liaison between the community and city, state, and federal elected officials. Also, get the community motivated and involved in local politics. ​​
VOTING
Advocate and collaborate with the Board of Elections to ensure Election Day operation runs smoothly. Encourage people to get involved as poll workers. And motivate people to exercise their civic duty and get out to vote during elections.
LOCAL POLITICS
Support progressive candidates for office that are committed to uplifting our community. In addition to this, get the local community involved by running to represent their blocks as County Committee members.
Find your voting information below
REPRESENT YOUR BLOCK!
RUN FOR COUNTY COMMITTEE!
RUN FOR COUNTY COMMITTEE!
County Committee is a local volunteer elected position to represent your block and advocate for change at the local level.
What is a County Committee and what can they do?
County Committee members are the grassroots base that make up New York County (Manhattan) Democratic Party. There are usually 2 to 4 County Committee members elected per Election District (ED) and serve a term of two years to represent Democrats in their ED.
County Committee members can also:
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Vote on approving the rules of the Manhattan Democratic Committee at a county-wide meeting that happens every two years.
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Elect county officers.
- Help create the New York County Democratic Party platform.
- Choose the Democratic Party's nominee in special elections when the incumbent dies or resigns and vacates the seat before their term is over.​
- This is important! because 1 in 3 New York State legislators were appointed by the County Committee and chosen in special elections. ​
- Be a leader in your neighborhood!
How do you run for County Committee?
County Committee is a Democratic Party elected position and requires a time commitment of around at least 30 hours a year. Although the commitment is what you want to make of it. You can become a leader in your community and work with other community organizers to advocate for issues that matter in your neighborhood.
To run for County Committee:
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You must be a registered Democrat.
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Collect signatures by petitioning in your Election District to get on the ballot.
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You will need on average 40 to 80 signatures from registered Democrats in your ED.​
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If nobody is running against you, then you win!
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If you have opposition, then you canvass your neighbors and let them know to get out to vote for you in the Democratic primary in June.
Interested in running
for County Committee?
Then sign up HERE!
