Virginia & Carolyn Maloney
Photo: Brad Balfour
Exclusive Q&A by Brad Balfour
It seemed like the right time to talk with Virginia Maloney who is running in the primary to be a candidate for New York City Council District 4. Given that the election will be held on June 24th, 2025, and early voting has already started, various candidates for numerous offices are gobbling up media time as I write this.
Her mother Carolyn had been my Congressperson for quite a long time in my district. When the district disappeared through the political finagling of redistricting, she was edged out by Jerry Nadler who then took on the role in my district. Through it all I had gotten to know Carolyn, her team and ultimately, Virginia, particularly at Carolyn Maloney’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Leadership Breakfast that was held on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Mother Maloney moved on to Hunter College and Roosevelt House where I heard her speak on panels about crucial topics such as fighting for women’s rights and the ERA. But I hadn’t really spoken to Virginia about her efforts to extend the family political engagement and establish her own positions which would sway the public to support her.
As she explained, “I was raised right here in New York City by my late father [Clifton Harlan Wells Maloney] who was a Navy veteran, and my mother who served this very district in City Hall and in Congress. Their commitment to service shaped who I am. But as I look around, this isn’t the East side I grew up in, nor is it the East side we all imagined living in. People are being priced out of their homes. Basic healthcare services are falling short when we need them most. And too many friends and neighbors don’t feel safe on our streets and on our subways.
“That’s why I’m running for city council – to fight for a city that’s safer, more affordable; and a government that’s more accountable. I’ve not only heard your frustrations — I’m paying attention, and I have the experience to take action.
“With Trump attacking our values and cutting funding, strong local leadership matters more than ever. My public and private sector background, my history of fighting for democratic values is what we need in City Hall right now. I am ready to deliver results on Day 1.”
Maloney has campaigned for Hillary Clinton for President, worked on federal high speed rail under Obama, and worked in New York City Government before – under Mayor Bloomberg who was a great mayor. She led city-wide initiatives to expand free public Wi-Fi, and open Cornell Technion. In the tech sector, Maloney built tools that empower people with disabilities.
As she added, “I have experience taking concepts to execution—turning complex projects into real world impact. This is our city. And I’m here to make it better, safer, and more affordable —for all of us.”
Q: As a New Yorker, what are you most passionate about?
Virginia Maloney: I’m a “New York or Nowhere” kind of person, so it’s hard to narrow it down to what I’m most passionate about. If you pressed me, I’d say I love the unmatched energy of the City and its people. New Yorkers are the most diverse, vibrant, resilient, and opinionated group of people in the history of the world. That’s pretty amazing.
I was born and raised on Manhattan’s East Side, and I’ve seen firsthand how much this city can offer when it works for everyone. But I’ve also seen how rising costs and crumbling systems are pushing New Yorkers out. That’s why I’m committed to rebuilding a New York that’s safer, more affordable, and more just—for everyone.
Q: What would you consider as a defining or several defining moments in your life?
Working on federal high-speed rail projects during the Obama Administration was a defining moment. I saw very clearly how government infrastructure investments and modernizing the systems people rely on every day changes lives for the better. I also saw the important role of state and local governments in implementing federal policy.
Another was launching free public Wi-Fi across NYC while at the Economic Development Corporation under Mayor Bloomberg. I saw that policy isn’t abstract; it’s about making sure everyone – from students to seniors – has access to opportunity.
On a more personal note, a pivotal moment for our entire family was when my late father passed when I was in college. That moment really bonded our family, and shaped who I am. I found a strength and resilience I didn’t know I had, as well as a heightened sense of empathy and responsibility to help, protect, and stand up for those who need support. And, of course, my recent decision to run for office becauseI know I have the experience to serve the community and City I’ve always called home.
Q: In your career, what would you consider as defining moments?
Virginia Maloney: Throughout my career, I’ve focused on solving real problems by expanding access to tech, creating jobs, or delivering services more effectively. Helping open Cornell Tech, leading accessibility innovation at a major tech company, and serving on the board of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens are all defining. But what ties them together is the belief that the government should actually work for the people – and that we need leaders who know how to make that happen.
Q: Obviously, coming from a political family, what did you learn to do or not to do?
My mom always said: show up, care deeply, and do the work. Growing up with a parent who served this district taught me what real public service looks like—it’s not about being in the spotlight, it’s about showing up for your constituents and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I also learned the importance of independence. I’ve worked in the public and private sectors, and I’ve built a career grounded in impact, not legacy. My last name may open doors, but I’ve walked through them by doing the work and earning trust.
Q: What has characterized your political philosophy?
Virginia Maloney: I’m a pragmatic democrat. I believe in bold ideas – affordable housing, accessible childcare, real public safety – but I also believe those ideas only matter if you can implement them. My philosophy is that the government should be modern, responsive, and equitable. I come from a background of getting things done, not just talking about them. At a time when our rights are under attack by Trump and even local governments can feel disconnected from people’s daily lives, we need to lead with both compassion and competence.
Q: Were there some learning moments interacting with voters that prompted new thoughts and ideas?
Absolutely. Meeting with parents who can’t get full-day 3-K seats for their kids because of location shortages in District 4 really hit home. It’s one thing to talk about universal Pre-K, it’s another to hear how the lack of access is actually pushing families out of the neighborhood. Or talking to seniors who feel unsafe walking down the block due to e-bike traffic and uneven sidewalks. These moments remind me that policy has to be rooted in listening. That’s why I’m running – to bring the government back in touch with the everyday concerns of the people who live here.
Q: What are your dreams for the future of the city?
Virginia Maloney: When I was growing up in New York there was a real sense of optimism in New York City and you didn’t have to be a multimillionaire to raise a family here. I’m not trying to roll the clock back, but I do think that we need to get back to that feeling that our best days are ahead…and then work to make that a reality.
Q: And What are your dreams for the future of the state?
Virginia Maloney: New York State is going to need to be strong to stand up to Trump, and some of our smartest leaders in Albany are from right here on the East Side. So I’m going to be supporting them, so that the State can be a strong bulwark against MAGA policies coming out of Washington that are eroding our rights and attacking New Yorkers.
Q: I’ll ask the same about the country…
Virginia Maloney: A strong Democratic showing in the midterm elections. We need to take back Congress, so we can get to work untangling the mess Trump is putting us in — domestically and internationally.
Q: What do you think are truly the biggest threats to the city?
Virginia Maloney: Cuts to federal funding that help fund our safety net services like Health + Hospitals medical care, affordable housing, and even food pantries. Federal support helps fund everything from mental health services to emergency response – and without it uninsured and under-insured New Yorkers are at risk of not receiving frontline care.
At a time when our city is facing a historic housing crisis, I’m concerned about threats to federal aid for rental assistance for New York’s most vulnerable, public housing repairs, and development of new, affordable housing units. On the city council, we’ll have to strive to do more with less.
Q And for the state?
Virginia Maloney: Climate change is an incredibly serious threat to all of New York State, but here in the City and out on Long Island we’re on the front lines of sea level rise, increased flooding, and storm surges. I worked in City government during Hurricane Sandy and remember clearly the impact it had on real people.
Whole areas of District 4 were without power, seniors and home-bound New Yorkers were trapped in their apartments, and straphangers had to deal with years of impacted service due to saltwater damage to the Subway system.
Q: Finally I’ll ask the same for the country…
Virginia Maloney: Trump’s attack on American democracy is going to have a long term negative effect on our politics, our civil discourse, and our country. It will take years to undo the damage, but I believe in democracy, I believe this country can be a land of opportunity, and I’m ready to get to work in the City Council and demonstrate real civic leadership.
For more information, to donate or volunteer, go to: virginiamaloney.com