NY-06: Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens' immigrant communities?
More than 30 people folded samosas in the private room upstairs at Kabab King, a Pakistani neighborhood institution in Jackson Heights, Queens.
The ticketed event ($30) marked the fourth Dumplings and Dialogue programming for Chuck Park’s electoral campaign for the 6th Congressional District that includes Flushing, Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Woodside and Jackson Heights. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has represented the reliably Democratic district since 2013; Park is looking to unseat her. The primary election is June 23.
While food has always played a supporting role in political campaigns, Mayor Zohran Mamdani changed up the game by spotlighting the food and restaurants of working-class immigrants of color. Park is now presenting another chapter of that playbook.
In recent mayoral dining history, Eric Adams visited Le Pavilion (French), Rao’s, and Mario’s (both Italian) while Michael Bloomberg ate burgers at J.G. Melon and turkey wraps at now-closed Scobee Grill. Bill De Blasio dined at Arepa Lady (Colombian), Royal Queen (Chinese), The Door (Caribbean), and Melba’s (soul food). And Mamdani campaigned at — and continues to visit — establishments like Boishaki (Bangladeshi), Abuelita’s Desserts (Puerto Rican), and Saint Louis (Senegalese).
https://gothamist.com/food/can-a-congressional-candidates-dumpling-diplomacy-win-over-queens-immigrant-communities