I am Kelly Ann Gonzalez, a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in District 6, small business-owner, John Jay graduate, and Labor organizer. I am deeply connected to the struggles of my immigrant parents and the pain of losing my brother. My parents came to this country from Mexico, with little more than hope for a better life. My brother’s tragic death due to a gun he easily purchased ignited a passion within me to advocate for changes in the systems that failed him. I am not a politician because it was a natural career choice; I am in this fight because I have experienced the power of change, but also the loss that drives me to make that change a reality. Every day, I reflect on my brother's legacy and the lessons of resilience and determination passed down to me by my parents, using those experiences to fuel my mission to improve the lives of others by advocating for workers in our city.
The community I seek to serve is one of hard-working families, and marginalized groups striving for better opportunities and a fair chance at the American Dream. It’s a community built on strength, unity, and the belief that together, we can create the change we need. This community is diverse, with voices that often go unheard, yet its collective identity is one of resilience and hope. The values of justice, inclusion, and solidarity guide this community, and through my work, I aim to amplify these values and ensure everyone has the chance to thrive.
The need for change is more urgent than ever. We live in a time where systemic issues, such as gun violence, lack of access to quality healthcare, and labor rights abuses, continue to plague our society. These issues do not just affect statistics; they impact real people, like my family and the community I serve. We are at a crossroads where the decisions made now will determine the future of our children and the generations to come. It is time to act. Now is the moment for us to come together and fight for what’s right, to advocate for policies that protect our community’s well-being, and to ensure that systemic injustices are not allowed to continue unchallenged.
Like many in our community, I learned the value of hard work at a young age by helping my family wait tables and open their restaurant each day. As a young woman, I worked multiple jobs to put my brother through school and support my family in times of crisis. Later, I leaned on these values as a labor leader in the fight for fair wages and city workers.
As your City Councilwoman,
I'll bring the same dedication to serving you. I'll fight for livable wages, a government you can trust, and safer communities where our families can thrive.
My name is Kelly Ann Gonzalez your candidate for District 6!