On Monday, March 3rd, Aleida Castillo officially announced her intent to run for Mount Vernon City Council in the Tuesday, June 24th Democratic Primary (see video below).
Aleida Castillo, a dedicated community leader with over 14 years of service in Mount Vernon, is proud to announce her candidacy for the Mount Vernon City Council. With a rich background in public service, business development, and community advocacy, Castillo aims to bring transformative change to the city by focusing on key issues that matter most to its residents.
Key Issues of Aleida Castillo’s Campaign:
- Workforce Housing:
Castillo is committed to ensuring that all residents can afford to live in Mount Vernon. She advocates for workforce housing solutions that cater to individuals who earn too much to qualify for government subsidies but not enough for luxury housing. Her goal is to bridge this gap and provide affordable living options for all. - Affordable Utilities:
Recognizing the burden of escalating energy costs on residents, Castillo pledges to tackle high utility bills in Mount Vernon. She plans to lead initiatives aimed at reducing these expenses, thereby improving the quality of life for all community members. - A City of Opportunities:
Castillo envisions Mount Vernon as a hub for job opportunities, inspiration, growth, and nurturing communities. She intends to introduce legislation that supports economic development, job training programs, and local business support to foster a thriving city for both the young and the young at heart.
About Aleida Castillo:
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Aleida Castillo immigrated to the United States over 30 years ago, beginning her high school years in Miami, Florida. She has been a close advisor to political campaigns throughout New York State, including serving as an advisor to MSNBC Legal Analyst Mimi Rocah during her 2020 District Attorney Primary win in Westchester County. Castillo’s public relations and business development expertise have been sought after by non-governmental organizations, corporations, and government agencies for her ability to connect diverse communities and bring about win-win solutions in challenging environments.
In the late 2000s, Castillo moved to Mount Vernon with her two young daughters, seeking greater opportunities. As a Black Latina, she found pride in raising her children in a community where global Black identity could empower their sense of self. She ran a re-entry program at Grace Baptist Church, studied real estate, and later opened a daycare center to stay close to her children after facing personal challenges, including a car accident.
Her journey of self-discovery and community service led her to Ghana, West Africa, in 2016, where she deepened her understanding of heritage, leadership, and economic empowerment. She was honored as the first Afro-Latina and Dominican Queen Mother in the Oti Region of Ghana, a title recognizing her commitment to cultural and economic development. This experience reaffirmed her lifelong mission: to help others realize their dreams, access opportunities, and thrive in a supportive community.
Aleida Castillo believes that economic stability and good leadership are key to a thriving city. She is dedicated to implementing innovative legislation that directly impacts residents’ physical and financial well-being. Castillo’s campaign is built on the principles of hiring, inspiring, revitalizing, and elevating Mount Vernon—summarized in her campaign acronym, H.I.R.E.
To learn more about her campaign, sign her petition, or get involved, visit her website https://votealeidacastillo.com or contact her campaign directly at (914) 768-1688.
