NEWYORK: A young Pakistani-American in New York Umar Usman has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination from Congressional District 11.
Umar Usman, an active member of the Pakistani American community in Brooklyn, who moved to New York from Pakistan in 2003, 23 years ago and became a U.S. citizen in 2017, has now entered the race.
Mr. Usman will run as a Democratic candidate in Congressional District 11 against Republican candidate Nicole Malliotakis.
Presenting his election manifesto, Umar Usman said that he would ensure affordable housing, citizen improvement, public service and equal rights.
He said that it is important to strengthen the voice of ordinary citizens on issues such as education, health, economic justice and community safety.
Umar Usman has appealed to the community to participate fully in the democratic process for the future of their families, youth and senior citizens and make them successful with the power of the vote.
Raised by his father—a taxi driver—after losing his mother to cancer at age four, Umar’s early experiences shaped his deep empathy and drive to uplift others.
A graduate of the International High School at Lafayette, Umar first discovered his passion for community service through an afterschool program dedicated to youth leadership and civic engagement. He went on to earn an Associate Degree from Kingsborough Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Umar has built his career around serving the public and strengthening communities. As a former assistant to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, he supported day-to-day operations and represented the office across Brooklyn, fostering connections with diverse neighborhoods.
He is also the founder of Helping Hand of Brighton, a nonprofit organization that played a pivotal role in supporting South Brooklyn residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Umar, his wife Mohnoor, and their daughter Mirha are proud to call Bensonhurst home. With deep roots in Brooklyn’s working-class and immigrant communities, Umar continues to be a tireless advocate for families and a dedicated champion for those who need it most.
