Candidate Profile: Castleberry-Hernandez For Cong. District 17

ELMSFORD, NY — There are several contested races in this month's primary, including the Congressional District 17. Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary day draws near.

Castleberry-Hernandez is running to be the Democratic candidate for the 17th Congressional District. Longtime Rep. Nita Lowey is retiring at the end of the term. The district covers Rockland County and most of Westchester.

Castleberry-Hernandez's opponents in the June 23 Democratic primary are Mondaire Jones, Evelyn Farkas, Adam P. Schleifer, David Buchwald , Allison Fine and David Carlucci.

She is a university professor teaching national security and is a major in the Army Reserves.

Castleberry-Hernandez graduated from Columbia University SIPA Masters program. She is married with one daughter.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Because I care about the working class and I want everyone to be able to achieve the American dream. I want to advocate for economic stability, affordable healthcare, veteran rights, immigration reform, green view deal, criminal justice reform, improved housing crisis, expanding social security, reproductive rights, and a host of other issues.

The single most pressing issue facing our community, and what I intend to do about it.

Economic instability. I will fight for a living wage, repeal and replace Trump’s tax policy and restore the S A L T deduction, generate more green jobs, incorporate STEM into the educational system, reinvigorate small businesses, eradicate student loan debt, and revamp the student loan program.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference between myself and the other opponents is that I am the most diverse candidate. The only candidate that has state, federal and international experiences with the federal government. I am the only combat veteran and Major in the armed services with crisis management experiences in the Middle East. I do not come from generational wealth.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We need Campaign Finance Reform now! Our campaign is a strong opponent for ending Citizens United. Our seat should not be determined by too much money from outside of the district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My accomplishments are working with the Department of Defense, closely with Generals and Ambassadors. Helping to fight against terrorism like ISIS. Years of experience working with many Think tanks in Washington DC to provide expertise on National Security policies. Recognized by my peers and asked to consult on national and International news media outlets. Collective of 20 + years of leadership and experiences which are evident that I can handle this job without on the job training. I am no stranger to Washington, D.C.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Best advised ever shared with me was that running for office is a humanitarian effort and every body deserves the best quality in life.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have recently published my policy about the current racial injustices and civil unrest. Please go to my website to read more about it at: http://www.ashaforcongress.com...

I care about generating more career initiatives for young professionals to have opportunities to work with the federal government involving STEM. I support Congressman Anthony Brown’s initiative in the National Defense Authorization Act. Please read my piece at justsecurity.

Are you running for office? Contact Michael Woyton for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.