Uber-driving labor organizer enters crowded race for Assembly District 34
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Joy Chowdhury is a taxi driver and labor organizer running in Assembly District 34. Photo courtesy of Chowdhury.
By David Brand
Joy Chowdhury stows his campaign signs and flyers in the trunk of his Toyota Camry, hidden in the compartment with the spare tire. That way none of his Uber passengers can see the political material — electioneering violates Taxi and Limousine Commission rules.
But after dropping off his passengers, Chowdhury often shuts down the app and shifts from cabbie to candidate. He is running in a congested field for the state assembly in District 34, which includes the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. Assemblymember Michael DenDekker has represented the district since 2008 and two other candidates, Jackson Heights civic association leader Nuala O’Doherty and National Latina Institute Executive Director Jessica González-Rojas, are also running
Chowdhury moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh in 2009 with a diversity visa and began to study at LaGuardia College. He became a citizen in 2014 and is finishing his degree at York College while his wife and son remain in Bangladesh. He said he is running to represent working class laborers in the gig economy, especially cab drivers.
“I don’t see many people in the state Assembly who have a story like me,” said Chowdhury, who is also a member of the National Guard. “Someone who is an immigrant, who is serving in the military, who is a taxi driver, dealing with a lot of issues with companies like Uber. I am running so that people know about us and our struggle — immigrants, gig-workers.”
Chowdhury said he will focus on issues faced by taxi drivers, such as mounting debt, fluctuating pay and exploitation. At least eight drivers, each facing crushing debt from artifically inflated medallion purchases, committed suicide in 2018. A handful of drivers also took their own lives last year.
“There is a lot of struggle and a lot of people committing suicide,” Chowdhury said. “I don’t see many people who have done anything to make their lives better.”
He is advocating for gig-economy workers currently classified as independent contractors to receive employee status, which would enable them to earn a minimum wage and have access to benefits.
The issue is particularly important in Queens, which accounts for more TLC-licensed drivers than any other borough. More than 42 percent of yellow cab medallion owners, according to a 2018 agency factbook.
“We need a champion for drivers in Albany and I can’t think of a better person to be that champion than a driver himself, like Joy,” said election attorney Ali Najmi, who advocates for the rights of drivers and represents Chowdhury. “Drivers’ issues are Queens issues.”
Chowdhury kicked off his campaign late last month at an event in Jackson Heights, where he shares a one-bedroom apartment with a roommate. He said he does not have health insurance and has been unable to save enough money to pay for his wife and son to move to Queens.
“A lot of people know this story,” he said of the challenges faced by many immigrants.
DenDekker, who was recently honored as an advocate for immigrant New Yorkers, said he welcomed the primary challenge from Chowdhury and other candidates.
“I believe that anybody who wants to run for office should be given the opportunity to do so,” he said. “I am proud of my record advocating for my constituents, and I look forward to getting my report card from voters on June 23rd.”
DenDekker said that elections provide a “litmus test” for incumbent lawmakers.
“I think elections are good,” he told the Eagle last year. “I think elections keep an elected official working hard and give the residents a chance to rate their elected officials.”
