Effie Phillips-Staley for Congress in NY-17
The Democratic primary in New York’s 17th Congressional District is a microcosm of the national fight for the direction — and soul — of the Democratic Party.
That’s why Our Revolution is proud to endorse Effie Phillips-Staley for Congress in NY-17.
Effie is a progressive educator, labor advocate, and third-term Trustee in the Village of Tarrytown running against two corporate- and AIPAC-backed establishment Democrats for the chance to take on Republican incumbent Mike Lawler — a MAGA-aligned politician backed by corporate interests.
Her campaign is offering voters something increasingly rare in American politics: a bold, unapologetic platform centered on working people instead of wealthy donors and political insiders.
A Campaign for Working People
Effie is running on a people-first agenda focused on:
- Medicare for All, including reproductive healthcare rights
- Housing as a human right
- Universal childcare
- Humane immigration reform
- Environmental protection and a green economy
- Tax fairness and economic justice
- Ending foreign wars and redirecting resources toward public needs
- Ending U.S. aid to governments that violate human rights
She believes deeply that Americans should not be struggling to afford healthcare, housing, or childcare while corporations and billionaires profit from endless war and economic inequality.
“In Congress, my focus will be Medicare for All at the federal level, which is the structural fix this problem requires,” Effie said.
A Record Rooted in Community
Effie currently serves her third term as a Trustee in the Village of Tarrytown, where she has been a strong advocate for labor standards, housing affordability, safer walkable communities, climate resilience, and small businesses.
Her work on affordable housing has consistently been tied to demands for union labor and economic justice.
Before elected office, Effie was a longtime social justice activist and nonprofit administrator. She comes from a working-class family rooted in public service: her mother immigrated from El Salvador and became a public school teacher, while her father was a blue-collar veteran of World War II and Korea.
She raised her children in the Hudson Valley public school system and understands firsthand the pressures facing working families.
Challenging Entrenched Power
Effie’s campaign is directly confronting the influence of corporate money and AIPAC in Democratic politics.
She rejects corporate PAC donations and has made clear that both major parties too often prioritize the interests of billionaires and wealthy donors over everyday people.
Polling in NY-17 shows Democratic voters strongly support her progressive affordability agenda — and believe that funding wars and governments accused of human rights abuses undermines investments in healthcare, housing, and public well-being here at home.
Effie’s campaign also reflects her willingness to speak out even when it comes with political risk.
After traveling to Israel and the West Bank to witness conditions firsthand, she publicly condemned the treatment of Palestinians and called for a foreign policy rooted in universal human rights. Her stance drew backlash from local Democratic establishment figures — but also energized voters searching for leaders willing to challenge entrenched power structures.
An Insurgent Campaign for the Future
This race is about more than one congressional seat.
It’s about whether bold, progressive campaigns that put people first can win in suburban districts — and whether the Democratic Party will embrace the working-class politics needed to defeat MAGA and corporate rule alike.
Effie Phillips-Staley is proving there is real hunger for that vision.
Our Revolution is proud to stand with her.
Early voting runs June 13–21. Election Day is June 23.
When we organize, we win. ✊