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Theona Reets-DuPont
Theona Reets-DuPont (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New York City Council to represent District 13. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025.
Reets-DuPont completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Theona Reets-DuPont earned a high school diploma from the Notre Dame De Joie. She earned a bachelor's degree from Clark University in 2016 and graduated from the CUNY Graduate Center in 2020. Her career experience includes working as a chief of staff, budget director, community engagement director, and director of communications for the New York City Council, as a congressional staffer, and as an ESOL and civics instructor. She has been affiliated with the Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) and the United Nations Association of the United States.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in New York, New York (2025)
General election
General election for New York City Council District 13
Incumbent Kristy Marmorato, Shirley Aldebol, and Joel Rivera are running in the general election for New York City Council District 13 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Kristy Marmorato (R / Conservative Party) | |
Shirley Aldebol (D / Working Families Party)  | ||
| Joel Rivera (Unity Party) | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 13
The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Shirley Aldebol in round 6 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
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Total votes: 11,402 |
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Republican primary election
Republican Primary for New York City Council District 13
The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Kristy Marmorato in round 1 .
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Conservative Party primary election
Conservative Primary for New York City Council District 13
The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Kristy Marmorato in round 1 .
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Working Families Party primary election
Working Families Primary for New York City Council District 13
The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Shirley Aldebol in round 1 .
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Theona Reets-DuPont completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reets-DuPont's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Theona played a key role in the Association of Legislative Employees (ALE), America’s largest union of legislative staffers, founded in the NYC Council. She created one of the few fully unionized offices, ensuring every employee she hired was a member of ALE. As part of the union’s bargaining committee, Theona Reets-DuPont represented members during their first contract negotiation with the City Council.
Theona’s leadership and commitment to fair wages, labor rights, and community service make her the candidate who will continue to fight for the people. Vote for Theona-because she’s dedicated to making a real difference.- Theona has spent over two decades fighting for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better conditions. She helped create one of the first fully unionized offices in the City Council and played a lead role in negotiating a historic union contract for legislative staffers.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theona served on the frontlines as a Public Health Advisor—connecting vulnerable communities with vital care and resources when they needed it most.
- With 22+ years of experience in organizing, education, immigration law, and public service, Theona has a track record of creating real change. She’s committed to building a more just, inclusive, and supportive community for all.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their neighborhood.
Quality Education for All
Education is the foundation of opportunity. I’m
committed to fully funding our schools.
Supporting Our Seniors
Our seniors deserve to age with dignity, respect, and the support they’ve earned.
🇺🇸 Standing with Our Veterans
Veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they should never be left behind. I’m committed to: Ensuring access to healthcare, mental health services, and housing support.
Fighting for Working Families
Working families are the backbone of our city.
Small Business Support & Entrepreneurship Opportunities
This office is deeply connected to the community, serving as the voice of constituents in the decision-making process. Unlike higher-level government positions, this office has a direct line to the people, ensuring their concerns, needs, and interests are heard and addressed at the local level.
Advocacy for Justice and Equity
A core responsibility of this office is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. It plays a key role in advocating for policies that protect marginalized communities, fighting for fairness and equality within the legal and governmental systems.
Legislative Power at the Local Level
This office carries significant legislative influence at the municipal level, helping to shape laws and policies that directly affect the everyday lives of residents. Whether it’s working on issues like housing, education, or public health, this office is at the forefront of passing laws that have an immediate impact on the local community.
Accountability and Oversight
This office plays a vital role in ensuring that other parts of the city government remain accountable to the public. Through oversight and checks and balances, it ensures that city resources are used appropriately and that policies are being carried out effectively. It’s a safeguard against corruption and mismanagement within the local government.
Bridging the Gap Between Law and People
The office acts as a connector between the legal system and everyday citizens. Whether it’s ensuring that local laws are being followed or helping people navigate the legal system, this office plays an important role in making the law accessible and understandable for the people it serves.
Policy Implementation and Community Development
This office not only creates policy but also ensures that it is implemented effectively at the ground level.
I also draw inspiration from the countless community members, educators, and frontline workers—people like myself—who may not be widely recognized, but who show up every day to make their neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more inclusive. Their resilience and quiet leadership are a constant reminder that real change begins at the ground level.
Accountability – Takes responsibility and stays answerable to the public
Commitment to Service – Puts community needs first, not personal gain
A Leader Who Will Listen - A true leader listens to the needs and concerns of their community. They don’t just speak—they hear, understand, and act on what matters most to the people they serve.
Empathy – Listens and understands the lived experiences of others
Equity & Fairness – Advocates for justice and inclusive policies
Vision – Has a clear plan for the future and bold ideas for progress
Courage – Willing to speak up and stand firm for what’s right
Collaboration – Works well with others to build consensus and deliver results
Responsiveness – Stays in touch with the community and acts on concerns
Proven Leadership: With over two decades of experience in community organizing, government, teaching, and immigration law, I know how to bring people together, build coalitions, and turn ideas into action.
Deep Commitment to Equity and Justice: I’ve spent my career advocating for working families, immigrants, seniors, and small business owners—always with the goal of making sure no one is left behind. I understand the challenges our communities face because I’ve lived them and worked alongside those impacted the most.
Strong Listener and Problem Solver: I believe that good leadership starts with listening. I take the time to hear from residents, understand their concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions that are practical, equitable, and forward-thinking.
Frontline Experience: As a Public Health Advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was on the ground helping people navigate one of the hardest times in recent history. That experience strengthened my resolve to fight for better healthcare, housing, and public safety for all New Yorkers.
Labor and Workers’ Rights Advocate: I’ve helped create one of the few fully unionized City Council offices and fought for fair wages and protections for staffers across city government. I’ll bring that same dedication to protecting the rights of all workers in our city.
Listening to and acting in the best interest of the people who elect you—ensuring their voices are heard in all decisions.
Creating and Enforcing Laws
Proposing, debating, and passing laws that promote fairness, justice, and the well-being of the community. Also, ensuring laws are applied equitably and effectively.
Fiscal Responsibility
Managing public funds responsibly—ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, with transparency and accountability.
Advocating for Community Needs
Fighting for policies and resources that address the most pressing issues in the community, such as healthcare, education, housing, and public safety.
Building Partnerships
Collaborating with other leaders, organizations, and the public to achieve long-term solutions to the community’s challenges.
Transparency and Accountability
Being open with constituents about decisions, policies, and actions. Ensuring a high level of accountability and being responsive to public concerns.
Promoting Equity and Justice
Championing policies that create fair opportunities for everyone, addressing systemic inequalities, and advocating for marginalized communities.
Upholding Ethical Standards
I hope to be remembered as someone who stood up for working people, listened deeply to the needs of the community, and took bold, meaningful action that led to real, lasting change. Whether it’s expanding affordable housing, protecting seniors and veterans, supporting small businesses, or creating career opportunities for young people, my mission is to uplift and strengthen families for generations to come.
I want my legacy to reflect a leader who didn’t just hold office, but who used the platform to build power with the people—not just for them. I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders—especially young women, immigrants, and those from underserved communities to know their voices matter, and that they, too, belong in spaces of power.
I was 23 years old when 9/11 happened. I remember the shock, the fear, and the deep sense of grief that swept across the country—but also the incredible moments of unity and resilience that followed. It was a time that reshaped how we understood safety, global politics, and our shared humanity. That experience taught me about the fragility of life and the strength of communities when they come together in the face of tragedy.
Years later, at 39, I lived through another transformative event: the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who worked on the frontlines during that time, I witnessed not only the devastation it brought, but also the determination and compassion of everyday people. It highlighted the urgent need for strong public health systems, equitable access to resources, and leadership that puts people first.
Teaching in community centers was my introduction to ESL, and it was an eye-opening experience. Many of my students came from diverse backgrounds, with different educational histories and language skills. Some were immigrants seeking to improve their English for work or to integrate into their communities, while others were refugees rebuilding their lives. It was in this setting that I realized the importance of not just teaching language but also supporting my students in their emotional and social transitions. The community centers became more than just places to learn—they were spaces for cultural exchange, personal growth, and empowerment.
From there, I had the privilege of teaching in colleges, where I worked with older students who were often focused on improving their English to pursue further academic studies or career goals. These students were motivated and hardworking, and I loved helping them build the skills needed for success in higher education. Teaching in this environment allowed me to focus on academic writing, critical thinking, and advanced conversational skills. It was rewarding to see students improve their fluency and confidence, enabling them to tackle complex topics in English and succeed in their academic pursuits.
There were times when resources were limited, opportunities were scarce, and I felt the constant pressure to prove myself more than others. But those challenges didn’t hold me back they shaped my resilience, sharpened my voice, and deepened my commitment to lifting up my community and those who are often overlooked.
Zoning and Land Use Decisions - Determines how land can be developed (residential, commercial, industrial).
Influences affordable housing, local businesses, and neighborhood development.
Budget Approval and Allocation - Approves the city's budget, including funding for education, health services, public infrastructure, and community programs.
Understanding of the System - Government and political structures are complex. Having prior experience helps elected officials navigate bureaucratic processes, understand the legislative framework, and be familiar with how policies are made and implemented. This knowledge can lead to more effective and efficient decision-making.
Building Relationships and Networks
Experience often means having established connections with other elected officials, community leaders, and organizations. These relationships can be valuable when it comes to advocating for the community and securing resources or support for key initiatives.
Policy Expertise
Prior experience in government or politics often provides a deeper understanding of specific policy areas, such as budgeting, public safety, education, or housing. This expertise allows officials to make well-informed decisions and contribute to more comprehensive policy development.
Navigating Challenges and Crises
Key Skill: The ability to lead with integrity and make difficult decisions, especially in times of crisis or conflict.
Why It’s Important: Effective leaders need to make decisions that reflect the needs of the community while balancing competing interests. Strong leadership ensures that policies are implemented effectively and progress is made on key issues.
Public Policy and Legislative Knowledge
Key Skill: A deep understanding of local laws, policies, and the legislative process is critical.
Why It’s Important: A solid grasp of how policies are created, debated, and passed helps elected officials advocate for and enact meaningful change. This expertise allows them to understand the implications of their decisions and ensure laws are enforceable.
Effective Communication
Key Skill: The ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, to a variety of audiences (constituents, colleagues, media, etc.).
Why It’s Important: Elected officials must convey ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in meetings, speeches, or public forums. They also need to listen carefully to their constituents and relay important information effectively.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Key Skill: The ability to connect with and represent the diverse voices within the community.
Why It’s Important: City officials need to understand the needs and concerns of their constituents and engage with people from all backgrounds. Advocacy skills ensure that community members feel heard, and their concerns are taken seriously when decisions are made.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Key Skill: The ability to work effectively with other elected officials, city departments, and external stakeholders, including community organizations and advocacy groups.
Close Proximity to the Community - City government is directly connected to residents, allowing for responsive decision-making.
Localized Decision-Making and Flexibility
City government can create policies tailored to the specific needs of the community
Zoning and Urban Planning Authority
I believe that when public funds are spent, the community has a right to know how every dollar is used. Taxpayer money should be allocated in ways that directly benefit the people, and the process must be clear, accessible, and open to scrutiny. As your elected official, I will ensure budget decisions, spending plans, and financial reports are transparent, allowing you to see exactly where your money is going. This transparency builds trust and ensures that every decision made is for the public good.
Government Accountability
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 16, 2025
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