In New York City politics, District 30 in Queens is currently home to one of the most unusual races in recent memory. At Councilmember Bob Holden’s office in Maspeth, “office politics” is no longer just a metaphor — it’s the reality. Two senior staffers, both close allies of Holden, are now running to succeed their term-limited boss. One is a Democrat. The other, a Republican. Both are campaigning from the same office, working side by side, and endorsed by the same boss.
At 58-38 69th Street, Holden’s longtime deputy Alicia Vaichunas is running as the Republican nominee, while budget director Phil Wong is seeking the Democratic nomination. Their candidacies have not disrupted the daily rhythm of Holden’s office. Rather, it has become a case study in bipartisan professionalism.
A Rare Political Scenario in Council District 30
District 30 is unlike most in New York City. While registered Democrats outnumber Republicans three to one, the area also has a strong independent voter base. It’s one of the few districts in the city that supported both Donald Trump and Curtis Sliwa in recent elections. This makes Holden’s bipartisan reputation not only relevant but strategic.
Although registered as a Democrat, Holden frequently aligns with Republicans in the City Council. He serves as co-chair of the conservative Common Sense Caucus and has even run on both the Democratic and Republican lines in previous elections. In 2023, he beat himself in the general election—Holden the Democrat narrowly defeated Holden the Republican by just 27 votes.
This political flexibility gave Holden the confidence to endorse both of his staffers. “I think both are excellent candidates who can fill my shoes,” he said. “Both are ready on day one.”
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Two Candidates, One Office
The concept of political rivals coexisting in the same workplace might sound like a disaster waiting to happen. But not here.
Daniel Kurzyna, Holden’s chief of staff, initially feared the office might become a political battleground. “At first I was like, ‘Oh man, this is going to be difficult to navigate,’” he said. But those fears quickly subsided.
“Nothing’s really changed,” Kurzyna added. “They’re cordial, work well together, and show up ready to do their jobs.”
Vaichunas and Wong share more than just an office. Both were instrumental in Holden’s early campaigns and both participated in protests opposing a proposed homeless shelter in Maspeth before Holden was even elected. They also attended the same local schools growing up and share a strong commitment to their district.
“Phil and I go way back,” said Vaichunas. “To me, we come in, we work, we speak like we always did. Nothing has changed, and our relationship is great.”
Wong echoed the sentiment: “We work together fine, we work together as a team.”
Bipartisanship as a Legacy
Holden sees the current race not as a conflict but as a testament to his office culture. “They’re both like me,” he said. “They put the neighborhood over party and politics.”
His endorsement of both candidates — one on each party line — reflects the bipartisan ethos he’s tried to instill in his team throughout his time in office. It’s also a practical reflection of District 30’s ideological diversity.
Most councilmembers in Queens wouldn’t—or couldn’t—make a similar move. The city’s political landscape is sharply divided, and most elected officials maintain firm party loyalties. But Holden’s reputation for independence makes his dual endorsement more palatable, if still unusual.
“This should be looked at as unique,” Holden said. “But it also should be celebrated.”
What Happens After the Primary?
Vaichunas is running unopposed in the Republican primary and is set to appear on the general election ballot. Wong, meanwhile, faces two opponents in the Democratic primary: Dermot Smyth, a well-connected teacher’s union representative, and local organizer Paul Pogozelski.
If Wong wins the Democratic primary, the general election could feature the rare scenario of two colleagues—and friends—competing for the same seat. Both candidates say they’re fine with that outcome.
“If I don’t win, I am sure hoping he wins,” Vaichunas said. “I think either way, the community wins.”
Holden has stated that while he’s endorsed both candidates now, he will not take sides if they face each other in the general election. “May the best person win,” he said.
Queens’ Quiet Trend of Staffers Running for Office
Holden’s office isn’t the only one doubling as a campaign headquarters. Across Queens, a quiet trend is emerging: political staffers running to replace—or compete with—their bosses.
In Council District 21, Sandro Navarro, a district director in State Senator Jessica Ramos’ office (Ramos herself is running for mayor), is running to succeed Councilmember Francisco Moya. Meanwhile, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, also running for mayor, has seen both her chief of staff, Tyrell Hankerson, and associate director of intergovernmental affairs, Erycka Montoya, launch campaigns to fill vacated seats.
Still, only in Holden’s office do two staffers share not only a workspace but a direct line to the same endorsement—and possibly, the same general election ballot.
A Model of Civic Respect?
In an era where political polarization often seeps into professional environments, Holden’s team is presenting an unexpected model of civility. There are no public spats, social media battles, or snide remarks. The candidates continue to operate as colleagues, performing their jobs and planning their campaigns.
This might not be replicable in every office, or even in most. But in District 30, it reflects not just the candidates’ professionalism but the culture Holden has cultivated over the years.
“They both have what it takes,” Holden said. “And no matter who wins, I hope the other stays on. That’s how we keep the community strong.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “office politics” mean in this context?
In this case, “office politics” refers to a real political race taking place within a city councilmember’s office. Two staffers in Queens Councilmember Bob Holden’s office are running for the same City Council seat—one as a Democrat, the other as a Republican—while still working together professionally.
Who are the candidates running from Councilmember Bob Holden’s office?
The candidates are Alicia Vaichunas, deputy chief of staff, running as a Republican, and Phil Wong, the office’s budget director, running as a Democrat.
Has Bob Holden endorsed either of them?
Yes. Councilmember Holden has endorsed both Vaichunas and Wong, one from each party, citing their qualifications and shared commitment to the community.
Is it common for political staffers to run against each other?
No, this is highly unusual. While staffers often run for office, it’s rare—especially in New York City—for two candidates from the same office to campaign for the same seat with mutual support and no internal conflict.
How do Vaichunas and Wong manage to work together while running for the same position?
Both candidates have emphasized professionalism and mutual respect. They continue their work in Holden’s office without tension, showing that bipartisan cooperation is possible—even during a campaign.
Will they run against each other in the general election?
Possibly. Vaichunas is unopposed in the Republican primary and will be on the general election ballot. Wong must first win the Democratic primary. If he does, they’ll face off in November.
What makes District 30 in Queens politically unique?
District 30 has a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Although Democrats outnumber Republicans 3-to-1, the district has leaned conservative in past elections, voting for Donald Trump and Curtis Sliwa. This political diversity allows for cross-party endorsements like Holden’s.
Conclusion
The unfolding race inside Councilmember Bob Holden’s office is more than a political oddity — it’s a rare display of professionalism, mutual respect, and bipartisan cooperation in an era often defined by division. With Alicia Vaichunas and Phil Wong running from opposite sides of the political aisle while still working together under the same roof, District 30 is witnessing a unique blend of public service and civic ambition.