ALBANY – Maloney Family Drama in the City Council Race

The daughter of former U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, who is now running for a City Council seat, is facing challenges from an independent candidate. This candidate has called out Virginia Maloney, claiming she should step up and engage in a debate.

Kyle Aseide is contesting Virginia’s bid, stating that she is dodging a direct campaign against him for the 4th District, which encompasses parts of Manhattan’s East Side and Midtown.

“Voters on the East Side deserve more than just a familiar name on their ballots,” Aseide, who formerly chaired Community Board 6, told the Post. He pointed out that, in his view, Virginia’s success in the primary was largely due to her mother’s influence rather than her own merit.

“I’ve dedicated my life to my community, while Virginia won simply because of her last name and connections,” he remarked. “If she doesn’t want to debate me, I’m happy to discuss it with Carolyn. I’m ready whenever she is,” Aseide added.

A spokesperson for Virginia’s campaign noted that the campaign isn’t engaged in general election debates, though they did participate during the primaries.

“Virginia continues to connect with her neighbors throughout this election,” the spokesperson mentioned.

Carolyn Maloney, when asked, pointed to Virginia’s autonomy in her campaign, brushing off Aseide’s challenge as a mere stunt.

“I’m not running. She’s the one running her own campaign,” the elder Maloney clarified.

Virginia emerged victorious in a fiercely contested Democratic primary in June to succeed Keith Powers, a council member who could not run again due to term limits.

After an extensive series of ranked choice votes, Virginia secured the primary with 53% of the total.

A lifelong resident of the East Side, Virginia has experience working with Meta and has held several roles in nonprofit and political sectors, including Teach for America and the Lexington Democratic Club.

Her mother, who previously served on the City Council, has a notable 30-year career in Congress.

Aseide, in addition to his community board experience, has worked for the New York State Department of New Americans and is currently at NYC Health and Hospitals. He is riding on enthusiasm for an “East Side revival.”

This election features a three-way race among Virginia Maloney, Aseide, and Republican candidate Debra Schwartzben.