Max Politics Podcast — February 28, 2026
Episode: Julie Won on Her Bid for Congress in NY-7
Host: Ben Max
Guest: Council Member Julie Won

Episode Overview

The episode features New York City Council Member and Congressional candidate Julie Won, who is running in the Democratic primary for New York's 7th Congressional District. Host Ben Max delves into Won's background as an immigrant and tech professional, her tenure and legislative priorities on the City Council, her vision for immigration and housing reform, her approach to technology in government, and her campaign platform, "a lifetime of care." The conversation also contrasts Won's candidacy with those of her primary opponents, explores her stance on national Democratic leadership, and considers her path to victory in a closely watched campaign to succeed retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Julie Won’s Personal Background & Path to Public Service

• Professional Background:

  • Immigrated from South Korea at age 8.
  • Spent a decade in tech, primarily consulting at IBM for both federal agencies and private companies.
  • Entered politics unexpectedly during the pandemic, motivated by observed disparities, particularly internet access for public housing residents.
  • First woman and first immigrant to represent her City Council district in Queens.

• Motivation for Office:

  • Personal experience with government programs as a child dependent on public school free lunch.
  • Initiated pandemic meal deliveries and saw the digital divide firsthand.
  • Successfully campaigned for "free WiFi for all" and expanded internet access programs for NYCHA residents.
  • "Within six months of being elected, I was able to get free Internet and cable TV for my NYCHA residents at Queensbridge Houses, Ravenswood Houses and Woodside Houses." (08:44)

Immigration Reform & National Policy

• Abolish ICE, End Family Separation:

  • Prioritizes ending family separation and abuses in the immigration system.
  • Deeply personal perspective rooted in her family's immigration journey and ongoing struggles in her district.
  • "It is unacceptable that children are separated and they are sitting in their own feces...These are toddlers, these are children, these are minors." (11:41)

• Comprehensive Immigration Reform:

  • Cites the Dignity Act as a promising legislative effort.
  • Advocates for pathways to legal work for asylum seekers and migrants.
  • Shares innovative local actions (e.g., registering ITIN numbers, co-op creation for migrant workers) as models for federal policy.
  • "We have these people in the country and...multiple years for them to be processed, yet we're not able to let them work—so they can't sustain themselves." (15:47)

• On Handling the NYC Migrant Crisis:

  • Criticizes the city's 30/60-day shelter limits as destabilizing and ultimately harmful for migrant families and children.
  • "It is more beneficial for us to allow them to have stability for at least six to eight months, if not a year." (21:25)

Housing, Development & Land Use

• Negotiation Experience:

  • Clarifies that the Innovation Queens rezoning is still moving forward, contrary to some reports.
  • Emphasizes her record in pushing comprehensive rezonings for thousands of new housing units in her district.

• Housing Philosophy:

  • Holistic, all-of-the-above approach: more supply, preservation of affordability, social infrastructure (schools, parks, sewer upgrades).
  • Targets development to match the number of unhoused persons in her district.
  • Stresses importance of CUNY homeless housing, family-sized units, and prioritizing rent-burdened residents.
  • "If I could build only affordable housing, I would, but financially it's not possible. ... My ask to the city has always been: if we develop more housing, you have to make sure that you're accounting for the social infrastructure." (25:24)

• Federal Policy Levers:

  • Calls for increased investment in public and non-profit affordable housing, federal vouchers, and tax policies that balance the needs of renters and homeowners.
  • "We are currently heavily relying on the private sector to fix this housing crisis...it's not enough." (30:53)

Tech, AI, & Digital Equity

• Civic Technology & Digital Access:

  • Champions treating internet as a public utility (like heat and electricity).
  • Critiques Congress for dropping the Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • "Without [internet], there isn't a chance that anyone in this modern day is going to be able to compete in the workplace." (34:48)

• AI Regulation & Digital Harms:

  • Applauds the 2025 Take It Down Act but wants stronger legislation to protect against non-consensual deepfakes and sexualized content, especially involving children.
  • Proposes extended statute of limitations for victims and legal liability for platforms that enable abuse.
  • "If your platform is what is currently disseminating this image, that is illegal... I don't think these platforms can just turn a blind eye." (38:51)

Differentiation from Opponents & Representation

• Unique Perspective:

  • Only mom and immigrant in the three-candidate field.
  • Practical tech background and private sector experience.
  • Personal commitment to language access, immigrant services, and pragmatic problem-solving.
  • "These are the ways that this is something that no one can take away from you." (41:23)

• Role as Successor to Nydia Velázquez:

  • Acknowledges Velázquez’s legacy, especially on Puerto Rico, but notes demographic shifts in NY-7.
  • Pledges solidarity for Puerto Rican issues but sets realistic expectations as a non-Puerto Rican candidate.
  • "New York City history is intrinsically intertwined with Puerto Rican history and what we have done to that country." (44:09)

Why Run for Congress?

• Jurisdictional Impact:
  • Sees limitations on City Council's power regarding national issues (immigration, internet, childcare).
  • "I could pass all the resolutions I want in the City Council...but those things can't happen from city council. That happens in...the federal government." (47:19)
  • Views rare open seat as a moment for direct federal leadership.

Campaign Strategy & Political Landscape

• Path to Victory:
  • Comfortable as an outsider—"feral progressive."
  • Leans on deep district ties, a track record of constituent service, and a disciplined, focused message.
  • Not focused on big unions or establishment endorsements but hinting at new, unannounced congressional backers.
  • "[I'm] kind of just like a raccoon that came out of the trash can. ...I'm here because I care about Wi-Fi." (49:40)

On National Democratic Leadership

• Views on Schumer & Jeffries:

  • Has disagreed with Senator Schumer on certain Democratic compromises.
  • Supports Hakeem Jeffries for House Speaker if Democrats regain the majority.
  • "It took some pressure, but I believe that now we are being even more resistant to Trump's agenda as a Democratic Party." (53:08)

• Admiration for AOC & Warren:

  • Sees Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a model for new progressive leadership and effective communication.
  • Appreciates Elizabeth Warren for policy focus, particularly around the care economy.
  • "She (AOC) has just been a fearless leader, advocate and voice that gives a lot of folks courage." (54:49)

Key Policy Platform: “A Lifetime of Care”

• Policy Pillars:
  • Universal childcare, healthcare, paid leave.
  • Social supports from birth through senior care and dignified retirement.
  • Funding through a mix of shifting federal priorities (e.g., defense spending), tax code changes, and efficiency improvements.
  • "None of these things are new... Some of it exists in other countries, and some of them exist in our very own states right here in this country." (57:21)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Within six months of being elected, I was able to get free Internet and cable TV for my NYCHA residents... and [over] three years we were able to expand that program citywide." (08:44)
• "As a mother of two, it is unacceptable... that children are separated and they are sitting in their own feces, that they are in cages, that they are not given proper care." (11:41)
• "We are currently heavily relying on the private sector to fix this housing crisis... it's not enough." (30:53)
• "[I'm] kind of just like a raccoon that came out of the trash can. ...I'm here because I care about Wi-Fi." (49:40)
• "She (AOC) has just been a fearless leader, advocate and voice that gives a lot of folks courage. … She comes off as a very strong persona on the Internet and on TV. But I would say in person she's just so warm and kind and soft." (54:52)
• "I could pass all the resolutions I want in the City Council...but those things can't happen from city council. That happens in...the federal government." (47:19)

Important Timestamps

• 07:03 — Won’s personal background and entry into politics
• 10:24 — Motivation on national immigration policy
• 14:55 — Specific reforms for immigration system
• 18:46 — Experience handling NYC’s migrant influx
• 22:22 — Approach to housing, land use, and rezonings
• 28:22 — What Congress can do for housing at the federal level
• 32:47 — Tech policy, AI, and digital government
• 36:43 — Regulating tech platforms and protecting children online
• 40:39 — Differentiating herself from opponents
• 43:03 — Legacy of Nydia Velázquez and representing Puerto Rico
• 47:11 — Why she wants to move from city to federal office
• 49:35 — Path to victory and campaign strategy
• 53:04 — Opinions on Democratic leadership
• 56:37 — Funding her “lifetime of care” policies

The episode offers a nuanced look at Julie Won’s candidacy, priorities, and legislative approach—throughout, she combines personal narrative with pragmatic policy ideas, pitching herself as a hands-on problem solver and a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities.