MEET THE CANDIDATES
REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES
DONALD TRUMP
“I am Donald J. Trump, the greatest.”
The former US President and Queens, NY native is back for the 2023 Republican Primary Elections.
He served his first term as president from 2016-2020, and lost to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the infamous 2020 elections.
Hawx News spoke to Mr. Trump about his thoughts regarding the upcoming election:
Why are you re-running?
“I'm running because the Democrats have ruined this country.”
If elected, what are your goals for the country?
“My goals are to secure the border, fix the economy, and [to] Make America Great Again”
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
“I was the 45th President, I understand the system better than anyone.”
What motivated you to keep running, even though you’ve been indicted twice?
“It’s fake news, it's the left’s newest attack.”
What do you want to tell voters right now?
“We will make America great again.”
RON DESANTIS
Ron DeSantis, born on September 14, 1978 in Jacksonville, Florida, is a member of the Republican Party, in which he served as the 46th governor of Florida, represented Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is currently a candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. When asked about the frameworks of his political service, he replied, “I graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School. When I later joined the U.S. Navy, I was promoted to Lieutenant. With my long involvement serving the Navy, I have actual experience in the military, unlike Trump.” DeSantis aspires to address the challenges he perceives in previous presidential administrations. He emphasizes, “As president, I’ll make sure our economy goes up again and we, the people, get a say after Biden ruined [the economy].” He highlights his accomplishments from being a prominent member of the Florida government, adding, “I managed to greatly increase the budget and boost the economy and passed acts to protect emigrates and improve public safety, allowing people to carry guns.” He highlights his commitment to applying these advancements to the federal government, if elected president, asserting, “My goals are to reduce taxes and make sure the people get represented through a transparent government. In the past eight years, we’ve seen our government fall out, but if you confide in Team Ron Desantis and allow us to make America Florida, you can be confident that we will be able to make America feel like a true home.”
VIVEK RAMASWAMY
Vivek Ramaswamy, born August 9 in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a first-generation American currently running among 9 other Republican candidates for a spot in the presidential election. Well-versed in law, Ramaswamy graduated from both Harvard College (2003-2007) and received a law degree at Yale Law School. Ramaswamy is a self-made billionaire, biotech entrepreneur, and creator of Roivant Sciences, a biopharmaceutical and healthcare company that, along with its subsidiary companies, develops drugs and other therapies. Ramaswamy himself has developed 5 FDA approved drugs, one of which treats prostate cancer. Ramaswamy, unlike his opponents, has had no prior political experience, but he is a “CEO of companies” and is not supported by any Super PACs. Ramaswamy is running to change the nation’s current policies and laws, and he stresses to “make big cuts to the IRS, the FBI, and the DOE” along with other “three-letter government organizations.” Vivek is an advocate for ‘TRUTH,’ and has a strict stance on 10 truths which include “there are three branches of government” and “parents determine the education of their children.” Ramaswamy also hopes to raise the minimum voting age to 25. “Vote Vivek to save America’s next. 2024 Vivek Ramaswamy, vote for me, you Ramaswant me for President.”
CHRIS CHRISTIE
After the exciting kick-off rally on September 27th, Townsend Harris has officially started this year’s election simulation. Chris Christie is in the race, running to be your Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election cycle. Being the former governor of New Jersey, and his background as a district attorney, has led him to believe that he is your best pick for this election. During my live interview after the kickoff rally, Christie said, “I’m running to reclaim the Republican party and this country,” strongly advocating for change within his own party along with the country itself. When asked what he thought of those running against him Christie stated “First off, Trump's a coward, he won’t debate me. Since when do we let an indicted criminal into office? We have been lost at the hands of Trump.” This anti-Trump sentiment has been growing within those running against him, with many along with Christie criticizing him during the second GOP debate for not joining in. He ended by saying “Don’t miss, vote Chris!”
MIKE PENCE
Mike Pence was born and raised in Indiana, and is a candidate in the Republican Primary 2023 Election. In an interview with the former vice president of the United States, he said, “I am running because I stand for what is right. We have seen the degradation of America and I am the president to solve these problems.” Some of Pence's goals are to expand the economy and to defend Ukraine in the war. Pence said, “what distinguishes me from the other candidates is that I have held a much higher office than most other candidates, being that I am the former vice president, and that I have been a proud Republican for over 20 years. I want to tell voters to Vote Pence for Common Sense!”
TIM SCOTT
Tim Scott, a Republican Senator from South Carolina, is one of the candidates for the presidential primary election. He was born September 19, 1965 in North Charleston, South Carolina. As president, he plans to cut taxes and create more jobs. When asked what distinguishes him from other candidates, he said that he would bring “a unique perspective as a black conservative and a willingness to work across the aisle.” Scott aims to reduce government regulations and “advance conservative principles” while giving citizens more individual freedom. His message to voters is simple: “Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous America.”
NIKKI HALEY
Born and raised in Bamberg, South Carolina, Nikki Haley served as the governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017, the first woman to do so. Haley also served as the United States ambassador to the United Nations under the presidency of Donald Trump. She has established herself as a 2024 Republican presidential hopeful at the kick-off rally. When asked about being the only woman among the presidential candidates, Haley made it clear that the United States “needs a strong woman in office in order to get things done.” In regards to her policies, Haley believes in increasing the availability of contraceptives while limiting abortions. Haley is the daughter of two immigrants, and believes that “immigrants deserve to have a chance in this country and to live out the American dream.” However she wants to “limit a little bit of the access of immigrants. As well as [require] documentation on them at all times.” In a message to voters, Haley emphasized, “Don’t be tricky, vote for Nikki!”
ASA HUTCHINSON
Asa Hutchinson, former Governor of Arkansas, is one of the candidates running for the Republican Primary. Praised by former presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan for his work as Governor, he credits his extensive political background for his presidential qualification: “I have a very extensive history in politics, unlike some other candidates, and I have served on all levels of government from organizations to the House of Congress and Governor, so I am very aware of all politics.” He argues that the reputation of the Republican has been tarnished by inexperienced candidates in which their supporters don’t actually understand their motives for presidency. Clarity of his goals and a following that understands his intentions is a priority for Hutchinson. “Our support base is small but mighty, we are very passionate about our goals and we believe we can make a very big difference…” He takes pride in his humble beginnings, saying, “I’m from Arkansas, a small farm town and I was born to lower middle class parents.” Unlike other candidates such as Donald Trump, he represents the working class people and not the business elites, and he is one of only two candidates that opposes Trump. He is working to restore Republican’s integrity, and concluded his interview with his slogan, “So on Election Day, vote A-S-A, he leads the way!”
DOUG BURGUM
Doug Burgum is one of 10 Republican presidential primary candidates. Born and raised in North Dakota, he has served as their 33rd governor since 2016. Burgum believes America is divided, and needs conservative policies to unite the country. “We need action, and I am the candidate to do that,” he says. When asked about his goals, he replied, “I want to do what other politicians are talking about. Stop inflation, lower taxes, lower gas prices. Conservative policies will save and support the country. I will enact these policies on Day 1 if I’m elected.” Burgum plans on focusing on the economy and limiting abortion in the country. He commented, “All other candidates are all talk. When you look at my record, I limited abortion in North Dakota- something other candidates talk about doing but don’t. Other governors have done none of that. I am all action. Look at me and the other candidates, compare me to them, and look at my record. Don’t be smug, vote for Doug!”
WILL HURD
“My name is Will Hurd.”
Will Hurd, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a candidate in the 2023 Republican Primary Elections.
Hawx News spoke to Mr. Hurd about his views regarding the upcoming election:
Why are you running?
“I believe that Republican leaders aren’t focused on the right things; for example, Trump is running to stay out of jail. Is that a valid reason to run for presidency? The Republicans are focused on the wrong things, such as Womens’ Rights.”
If elected, what are your goals for the country?
“My goals are to support an increase in Cybersecurity. AI is very useful in our country and instead of it being used as a threat we should use it as a tool to create more jobs in our economy. [As for] China, we should in fact overpower China to become the #1 global super power.”
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
“I, unlike my competitors, have served in the CIA for 9 years. I know how cybersecurity works, I know how about the security of our country and I know what is best for our country. I have also served for 7 years in the house of representatives, spearheading the Board of Cybersecurity in Congress.”
What do you want to tell voters right now?
“Vote Hurd to be heard. America deserves better, and I am that better.”
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CITY COUNCIL
A lifelong resident of Queens, Selvena Brooks-Powers is a city council candidate for District 31. Brooks-Powers was elected to City Council in March of 2021 and is running for re-election. She was raised by immigrant parents and learned that hard work and persistence pays off. Brooks-Powers is an accomplished and proven leader known for getting work done. She has pushed for and enacted policies helping women and the working class since her days as staffer in the Senate. She is running on a platform of affordable and accessible healthcare and housing along with community improvement.
Nantasha Williams
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Selvena Brooks-Powers
Nantasha Williams is Queens city council district 27 candidate. Raised by a single mother in Queens, from a young age she understood the importance of hard work. Appointed as the Execute Director of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, she fought to ensure that policies helped low-income communities. Her top priorities include creating new economic opportunities, youth development, housing, and protecting seniors.
James Gennaro
James Gennaro is running for City Council District 24 as a Democratic candidate. He is an incumbent candidate, and chairs the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts. He strongly supports environmental protection laws, women’s rights, and stronger gun control laws. He has authored over 50 laws covering these issues and is running for City Council because he believes his experience is necessary to manage the COVID crisis. He believes no one else in the City has his depth of experience and legislative achievement with the Council.
Shekar Krishnan
Shekar Krishnan is the democratic candidate for District 25 NYC City Council. He was the first ever Indian American elected to City Council in NYC. Prior to his election to CIty Council he was a long time community activist in Queens and a civil rights lawyer fighting house discrimination. Shekar has also fought to protect the rights of our taxi workers, invest in public hospitals, treated housing as a human right, and expanded public space for our neighborhoods.
Zhile Cao
Zhile Cao is a republican candidate and veteran running for 25th district city council in NYC. Not born in the US, Cao is an immigrant from Vietnam and is determined to “awaken the people of NY and show that there is better out there that they deserve better.” Prior to his campaign, Cao was a community organizer and activist with much experience in medical reform, education, and human rights issues. Running as a progressive republican candidate, Cao is set on using his experience to be a voice for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. to get their citizenship, make healthcare more accessible, provide affordable housing and representation for people of his district. (His catch phrase: "Don't delay vote Zhile")
Daniella May
Daniella May is running for City Council District 31 in Queens. She aims to make better impacts for working American families. Her main focus is running a level one trauma center placed in Far Rockaway, as well as addressing infrastructure and crime issues. As the founder of Agenda700, a nonprofit organization focused on educating the community on how to fix their credit and build good credit, she plans to assist disenfranchised communities struggle when credit becomes a barrier to success. An extremely competent individual, she worked as a nurse before dedicating her life to public service, assisting vaccination and testing services, as well as helping NYCHA and NYC Public Education Systems.
Marilyn Miller
“I am Marilyn Miller.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York where she now lives in Jamaica, Queens, Marilyn Miller hopes to be elected for District 27’s City Council in hopes to represent Jamaica.
Hawx News spoke to Miller regarding her viewpoints on the upcoming election:
Why are you running?
“On the council I want to prioritize the voices of the people and promise to keep this city safe.”
If elected, what are your goals for the district?
“My goals are to….
Bring down crime in our district
Help the youth wheter that is education/ general support in their early stages of life
Help fight homelessness because homelessness is increasing in our district
Bring more representation to individuals who were so negitively affected from drastic events in NYC (ex. 9/11)”
What distuinghes you from other candidates?
“District 27 is a district that is very underrepresented that does not have enough support in the community. I do believe that having my perspective right into this once again, someone who has been in the government and in politics for so long will strongly benefit us compared to our counterparts. ”
In your opinion, what key priorities should be addressed to improve our society?
“Once again right now, in our state and in our district there is crime, there is homlessness, and also lack of support for the youth.”
What do you want to tell the voters right now?
“Honestly, I’m gonna say it again. You're always a winner when you vote for Miller!!”
Jonathan Rinaldi
Queens native Jonathan David Rinaldi is throwing his hat into the NYC Council race along with 3 other candidates to the rights of New York citizens, in his own words, “I Fight for the New York Citizen, not the migrant or illegal immigrant.” Rinaldi also shared some of his personal reasons for running for the office. He envisions a world where his children “can grow up free without being restricted by the government.” To voters, he leaves one last word, "Help me spread my seed, vote Rinaldi NYC!”
