Ali Najmi is a progressive Democrat running for the New York City Council, District 23, in Queens. Ali has a deep commitment to social justice and has made public service his life’s work.
Ali is a dedicated leader fighting for his community in Eastern Queens. He has demonstrated a unique ability to bring diverse communities together during the Obama campaign and was honored by the New Kings Democrats for his work as a community organizer. Ali has led successful efforts to increase funding for youth programs in his community and he has rallied to improve local public schools and expand library service.
Ali is a forceful advocate for working families. He has rallied with labor partners for job creation, worker protections, and retirement security. Ali knows the community well and has valuable experience as the Legislative Director in the New York City Council for Councilman Mark Weprin. He was instrumental in formulating civil rights legislation and writing laws to protect religious freedom.
Ali is successful criminal defense attorney who fights injustice. He is a member of the Brandeis Association of Queens. Ali understands the need for better police-community relations from his work as the general counsel of NYPD Desi Society. He has worked closely with labor unions as the the political director of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL) . Ali is a co-founder of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York.
Ali is the past president of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club and was an active force in the election of Congresswoman Grace Meng. He has volunteered to defend the rights of community organizations and fight discrimination. Ali was elected to the Oberlin College Board of Trustees where he served a three year term on the governing body of the prestigious higher education institution, responsible for its educational mission and fiscal policies.
Ali was born in the district at Long Island Jewish Hospital. His parents had previously moved to Queens to seek a better life and better services for his older sister who has Downs Syndrome. Ali’s close relationship with his sister gives him a special understanding of the need for government-funded social services and health care.
Ali was born and raised in Glen Oaks, Queens. He is a proud graduate of the local public schools - PS 115 and MS 172. He graduated with a degree in history from Oberlin College and received his juris doctorate from CUNY Law School.