John,

I’m Shahana Hanif. Nida said I could reach out because, even though the 2024 election is over, mine is just getting started, and I need your help.

I’m running to be the first Muslim woman re-elected to the New York City Council next year, just like Nida was the first Muslim woman re-elected in North Carolina. But it won’t be easy: I now have two opponents, and outside interests are already raising money to campaign against me.

In a moment, I’ll explain the stakes, but right now, I’m hoping I can count on you to split a donation between myself and Nida so we can keep up the fight for our communities. >>

Now, I’m no stranger to a tough battle. At 17 I was diagnosed with Lupus – an incurable illness that almost killed me. I knew no stories of young women living with a chronic illness, so I had to learn to advocate for myself.

Since then, I’ve fought for change for my entire community. I’ve been a champion for affordable housing, education equity, universal healthcare, a Green New Deal, abortion rights, and budget justice. Since day one, I’ve been combating hate in our community, especially ensuring that all our faith communities feel safe and supported.

But the truth is, groups are targeting progressive elected officials who dare to call for a ceasefire. In fact, in every single campaign I’ve run, Republican mega-donors have spent thousands of dollars to defeat me – and they’ve promised to spend even more this time.

I will never back down from fighting for what is right, but that comes with the cost of being targeted by special interests in my 2025 election, John.

Just like me, Nida is no stranger to being targeted for her identity and values. That’s how we both know that if you have our backs, we can defeat those special interests and continue the progress we’ve made.

So I have to ask, will you split a donation between my campaign and Nida’s to help us continue championing progressive values in our communities, no matter the odds? >>

In Solidarity,

Shahana
New York City Council, District 39