Irene Estrada, a lifelong Democrat, has decided to take on her party’s leadership by running against New York State Senate Democratic Party Chairman Jamaal Bailey in the 36th District. Estrada’s decision stems from her growing frustration with the policies and laws passed by current Democratic leaders, which she believes are harming New York residents in profound and dangerous ways.
“I am a Democrat, but I can no longer sit back and watch as the people of New York suffer under these misguided laws,” Estrada stated. “The bail reform, for example, has been a disaster. It is giving criminals a free pass, allowing them to commit crimes, walk free, and then do it all over again. The laws are designed to protect the criminals, not the victims.”
One of Estrada’s core concerns is the unvetted influx of migrants into New York, which she argues has become a serious public safety threat. “Bringing in migrants without proper vetting has led to an increase in assaults and crimes across the city. One victim is one too many,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “Any migrant who assaults a police officer must be detained and deported. The lack of coordination between federal agencies and local law enforcement has left us with a public safety crisis that is spiraling out of control.”
Estrada does not hold back in her critique of the Democratic Party’s direction, calling it unrecognizable from the party she once supported. “This socialist movement has taken over the Democratic Party. It used to be a party for the people, but now it is pushing policies that are not only ineffective—they are dangerous. Nothing good is coming from the laws they are passing, and the residents of New York are paying the price.”
The migrant crisis is particularly troubling for Estrada, who sees it as a failure of accountability at all levels of government. “Migrants who commit crimes are not being deported or even reported to federal authorities. They are arrested and then released back into the public, continuing the cycle of lawlessness,” she explained. “This creates an enormous strain on our communities.”
Faith is another key issue for Estrada. As a devout Christian, she believes that religious respect should be at the forefront of political leadership. “Anyone who disrespects Jesus or the Christian faith is not fit for office,” she declared firmly. “The body of Christ and the people of faith must be respected. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right that must be protected.”
Estrada, feeling increasingly disillusioned with the Democratic Party, has chosen to run on the conservative line. “The time has come to shake the dust off my feet and walk away from the Democratic Party. This party no longer represents America or its people. We have had enough of the nonsense.”
A fierce supporter of law enforcement, Estrada’s pro-police stance is rooted in her deep ties to the NYPD. “I have served as clergy for the 49th Precinct for years, and I have been working with community organizations since 1982,” she said proudly. “I am also the mother of two NYPD officers and the daughter of a Korean War veteran. Public service is in my blood.”
For over 40 years, Estrada has witnessed the political shifts in New York, and she is frustrated by the continuous cycle of liberal leadership. “I have seen one liberal politician pass the torch to another, and look where it’s gotten us. Our politicians are getting richer while everyday New Yorkers are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling just to get by.”
Despite the uncertainty, Estrada believes that the power still rests in the hands of the people. “Yes, we are living in uncertain times, but the power belongs to us—the people. It is time to take that power back,” she said with conviction. “We must come out and vote. The soul of America is at stake.”