Carima El-Behairy, who grew up on Grand Island and now lives in Buffalo, has announced her campaign for the New York State Senate's 60th District.
El-Behairy made her announcement May 31 at WNY Book Arts Collaborative in Buffalo. She is seeking to unseat freshman Republican incumbent Chris Jacobs in New York's 60th Senate District, which includes Grand Island.
El-Behairy co-founded P22 type foundry, a software and publishing company, serving as its managing partner for two decades. She is also a founding trustee of the Western New York Book Arts Collaborative, Oracle Charter School, and the Western New York Charter School Coalition.
"I am excited to announce my candidacy for the New York State Senate in District 60," stated El-Behairy. "With the help of the Baker Project and resurgent Democrats, I will take a message of quality education, health care access and affordability, preservation with development, and election reform to Albany. I will make a difference for Western New York and for New York State."
The Baker Project is an initiative of Eleanor's Legacy aimed at drastically increasing the number of pro-choice Democratic women in the New York State Senate by January 2019.
In her current venture as a new business strategies consultant, El-Behairy helps to formulate long-term financial solutions for startup businesses, those in transition and post-merger. She is also a partner in a local software company still in its incubation stages.
Since 2013, El-Behairy has been treasurer for Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, which serves over 40,000 patients annually in 14 counties. Prior to holding this office, she served nine years on the board in various capacities, including board chair and vice-chair. El-Behairy also holds the board treasurer position for the Association Typographique Internationale, a 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit located in California.
El-Behairy's other board experiences include her service as board development chair for the Irish Classical Theatre Company, board fair chair for the Westminster Early Childhood Program, and board merger committee chair for the Art Directors of Buffalo.
"Carima is running in a District that is very much ready to turn blue this fall, and we are thrilled that such a strong progressive woman has stepped up to run," said Eleanor's Legacy President Brette McSweeney. "This is a district with a huge Democratic enrollment advantage that was carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016. With a strong campaign and the right message, we are confident Carima can win in November and help deliver a Democratic majority in the New York State Senate."
