Meet The Candidates: Farzeen Bham For The 3rd Senate District

CORAM, NY — Political newcomer Farzeen Bham, a Democrat, is running against Republican Dean Murray in the 3rd Senate District race on Nov. 8.

With Election Day just around the corner, Patch has been reaching out to the candidates to find out why they are running this November.

Here is what he had to say:

Candidate's name:

Farzeen Bham

Campaign website:

https://bhamforsenate.com

City or town of residence:

Brookhaven

Office sought:

State Senate District 3

Party affiliation:

Democratic

Education:

Stony Brook Student

Occupation:

Secretary and board member of the Turkish American Religious Foundation

Family:

I have three siblings.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Age:

20

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

After seeing a lack of representation of Long Island's real needs in Albany, I decided to step up, as I’ve done countless times before, to give my community a state senator who will fight for all of their residents — someone who will look to be a real advocate for Long Island, our home. For years, the needs of Long Island have been neglected. I am running to end this.

Our island has become unaffordable. From rising high housing costs to taxes. We need leaders who can stand for our communities.

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

First, I’d like to say I respect my opponent. I truly believe that we both want to truly deliver for the residents of the 3rd Senate District. The fact of the matter is this: as a member of the Democratic majority, if elected, I can be as effective as possible in order to bring resources and pass bills that can help our residents thrive.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am not challenging a current officeholder.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I’m running to put our community first. For decades we have seen Albany take advantage of Long Island.

We must provide tax credits to our struggling small businesses which are hurting under the weight of inflation.

We can from property taxes. We need to provide our residents relief as inflation drives costs up.

We must also look to the future by pushing to lower costs for college and trade schools. Expanding these programs and making them cost-effective will provide opportunities for our young people to gain real careers.

We must also look to provide comprehensive care to the millions of New Yorkers who have none. By expanding Medicaid and pushing to pass the New York Health Act. If the federal government refuses to step up, we must.

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

This year I was awarded the President's Volunteer Award by President Joe Biden for my volunteer efforts for the Domestic Harmony Foundation, an anti-domestic violence non-profit organization.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To never give up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am looking to build a coalition of Long Islanders who can stand with me as I fight against the status quo in Albany.

I have been endorsed by the Libertarian party of Suffolk County and hope to spread my message to all of the residents of the district.