New York – In a spirited address to media and community members, Adam Azam formally launched his campaign for the New York State Senate from District 11 in Bayside, Queens. He introduced his robust campaign team, which includes a former Senator managing operations, a dedicated media team, and a grassroots network. “We are doing social media, door-to-door operation, phone banks, and we’re going to community events, mosques, synagogues, gurudwaras, schools, community centers, community organizations,” Azam detailed. He emphasized the community’s integral role, stating, “You guys are my arms and legs and my tongue. You know me very well. You can vouch for me. Hey, I know Adam. He’s a clean guy. He’s a good guy. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”
At the heart of Azam’s campaign is his extraordinary personal history. He is a survivor of 9/11—the only individual in U.S. history arrested, imprisoned for three months in Pas County Jail, and later exonerated after the FBI admitted mistaken identity. “President Bush wrote me a letter, Hillary Clinton, Congressman King, and as well as Dick Cheney, the vice president. FBI came after 3 months on record that Mr. Khan is a mistaken identity,” he recounted. Despite deportation to Pakistan, Azam fought for a decade to return, regaining his U.S. citizenship and his former position as a general manager at PC Richard. “I’m the only one who been deported, came back after 10 years in United States. I’ve got my all my everything back,” he said. His book, Surviving 9/11 by Adam, available on Amazon, chronicles his journey. Addressing questions about his clearance, Azam asserted, “I got clearance from FBI, USCIS giving me the citizenship of United States only because I’m clear. Probably I’m the most clear guy in the world because they checked me everywhere and they found out I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on a previous political run, Azam clarified that he did not step down voluntarily. “I didn’t want to sit down last time either. I was forced to do that. I had no choice. So, you know how politics works. I did what I supposed to.” This time, however, he made an unwavering commitment: “If I’m alive, I will not sit down regardless of who calls me. And what is the reason? I will not sit down. As I said, I’m going to say one more time. If I’m alive, I will not sit down… But now, I told my official, I’m not sitting down. You might be angry with me, but I’m not sitting down.” He vowed to continue “by hook or crook” unless he is no longer alive.
Turning to the electoral landscape, Azam identified the incumbent as Toby Stinsky, an 84-year-old Democrat who has served as senator for 19 years. “She’s decided to run again. So, obviously, nobody can get primary because she’s a sitting senator. So, she’s running. I’m actually challenging her,” he explained. He is running as an independent Democrat in the primary, with one Republican and another potential candidate also in the race. To get on the ballot, Azam needs 1,000 signatures, with collection from mid-February through March. “I need 1,000 signature but I will collect obviously more for error. So inshallah,” he said. The primary is set for June 26th. Regarding party endorsement, Azam noted, “No, you cannot. We endorse once you have a sitting senator legally. Democrat party cannot do it… I am running also as an independent Democrat. No in primary parties don’t endorse. Yes. No. Also, but when you go to the real election then party will deciding that who can no if you win the primary then there is no choice. They will endorse you.”
Azam outlined the district’s composition, which includes Bayside, Bay Terrace, Glen Oaks, Whitestone, College Point, part of Hillside Avenue, and Little Neck. “Under my whole district there’s 11 assemblyman districts fallen so that is even it’s a very big district,” he said. He highlighted key issues: renting problems, noise pollution from airports, congested schools, parking shortages, and security concerns due to Riker’s Island prison. “In past 19 years these issues have not been resolved. I’m not saying that I will come on and fix it overnight but I promise you if elected I will do my best I will do everything in my power to resolve these,” Azam pledged.
He appealed for community unity, especially among Muslim and Pakistani-American voters, citing a national trend with 37 Muslim candidates running in current elections. “We have to get out of something like I don’t like this guy or I don’t have problem with this guy in the whole what we have to see is is this guy is going to do anything for community. We cannot make everybody happy,” Azam urged. He addressed a past misunderstanding with candidate Mandani, stating, “I met with him. He opened his arm. He shook hand. He hugged me. I hug him and we are all set. This is politics… I think I’m asking everybody if I hurt you. I’m sorry. But this is something I believed in it and I did.”
On campaign finances, Azam shared that he has just begun fundraising. Last year, he spent over $100,000 of his own money, with only $20,000 from the community. “This year I’m hoping that I don’t have to use my own money and community stand for me and do it for me because all this money you require almost a million dollar to run for Senate,” he said, calling for robust financial support.
In closing, Adam Azam positioned himself as a young, energetic voice for change, driven by resilience and a commitment to give back. “This is my belief this is my stand this is what I stand for a voice for all community,” he declared. With a clear vision and steadfast determination, Azam seeks to bring diversity, accountability, and fresh energy to District 11, promising to be a relentless advocate for all residents.
