Southeast Queens Needs Relief — Nathaniel Hezekiah III Is Running On Affordability, Accountability, And Action
By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News Photos: Edwin Freeman As working families across Southeast Queens struggle under the crushing weight of rising rent, soaring utility bills, expensive tolls, unstable gas prices, insurance hikes, and shrinking food benefits, one candidate says Albany has ignored everyday people for far too long. Nathaniel Hezekiah III is stepping forward with a campaign centered on one urgent message: affordability is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Running for New York State Assembly in District 32, Hezekiah is building momentum as a grassroots Democrat focused on delivering direct economic relief to families in Jamaica, Rochdale Village, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, Laurelton, and communities throughout Southeast Queens. According to his campaign platform, Hezekiah plans to introduce legislation aimed at capping predatory toll penalties and extending the state’s cash acceptance law to E-ZPass holders, an issue that has frustrated countless New Yorkers already struggling with transportation costs. He also vows to fight for temporary suspension of the state gas tax during periods of extreme fuel price increases, arguing that working-class residents should not be punished every time the market spikes. Utility costs are another major focus of his campaign. Hezekiah says he will pressure the Public Service Commission to freeze utility rate increases so families can finally get breathing room amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Insurance affordability is also central to his message. Hezekiah believes insurance companies should not be able to raise rates without meaningful oversight and says he will introduce legislation requiring stricter state approval standards for rate increases affecting health, property, business, and automobile insurance. Perhaps most notably, Hezekiah has pledged to protect food assistance programs and advocate for expanded support for food pantries and struggling households. At a time when many families are already forced to choose between groceries, rent, and transportation, his message is resonating with voters who feel forgotten by traditional politics. His campaign slogan — “Affordable for All of Us” — reflects the reality many New Yorkers are experiencing daily. The campaign has also earned support from several influential Democratic leaders and labor organizations, including an endorsement from Adrienne Adams, who praised Hezekiah’s commitment to lowering the cost of living and advocating for working families. Beyond policy proposals, supporters say Hezekiah represents a new generation of leadership grounded in community relationships, accessibility, and practical solutions instead of political theater. In a district where many residents feel overwhelmed by economic pressure, Nathaniel Hezekiah III’s campaign is tapping into a growing demand for leaders willing to directly confront the affordability crisis impacting Black and working-class communities across New York. Voters interested in learning more about Nathaniel Hezekiah III’s platform, campaign events, and policy initiatives can visit: nathanielfornewyork.com
Black News 
By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
As working families across Southeast Queens struggle under the crushing weight of rising rent, soaring utility bills, expensive tolls, unstable gas prices, insurance hikes, and shrinking food benefits, one candidate says Albany has ignored everyday people for far too long.
Nathaniel Hezekiah III is stepping forward with a campaign centered on one urgent message: affordability is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
Running for New York State Assembly in District 32, Hezekiah is building momentum as a grassroots Democrat focused on delivering direct economic relief to families in Jamaica, Rochdale Village, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, Laurelton, and communities throughout Southeast Queens.
According to his campaign platform, Hezekiah plans to introduce legislation aimed at capping predatory toll penalties and extending the state’s cash acceptance law to E-ZPass holders, an issue that has frustrated countless New Yorkers already struggling with transportation costs.
He also vows to fight for temporary suspension of the state gas tax during periods of extreme fuel price increases, arguing that working-class residents should not be punished every time the market spikes.
Utility costs are another major focus of his campaign. Hezekiah says he will pressure the Public Service Commission to freeze utility rate increases so families can finally get breathing room amid inflation and economic uncertainty.
Insurance affordability is also central to his message. Hezekiah believes insurance companies should not be able to raise rates without meaningful oversight and says he will introduce legislation requiring stricter state approval standards for rate increases affecting health, property, business, and automobile insurance.
Perhaps most notably, Hezekiah has pledged to protect food assistance programs and advocate for expanded support for food pantries and struggling households. At a time when many families are already forced to choose between groceries, rent, and transportation, his message is resonating with voters who feel forgotten by traditional politics.
His campaign slogan — “Affordable for All of Us” — reflects the reality many New Yorkers are experiencing daily.
The campaign has also earned support from several influential Democratic leaders and labor organizations, including an endorsement from Adrienne Adams, who praised Hezekiah’s commitment to lowering the cost of living and advocating for working families.
Beyond policy proposals, supporters say Hezekiah represents a new generation of leadership grounded in community relationships, accessibility, and practical solutions instead of political theater.
In a district where many residents feel overwhelmed by economic pressure, Nathaniel Hezekiah III’s campaign is tapping into a growing demand for leaders willing to directly confront the affordability crisis impacting Black and working-class communities across New York.
Voters interested in learning more about Nathaniel Hezekiah III’s platform, campaign events, and policy initiatives can visit: nathanielfornewyork.com
