Why I'm Running For District 5

I come from a family of dreamers. I’m here because of a Costa Rican grandmother who had a dream to immigrate to America and pursued it without fear. I’m here because of a mother who had a dream and chose to homeschool her children in a poorly-funded district. I’m here because of a father who had a dream and pursued a college degree at night while working construction in the day.  

As an openly gay man with Latinx immigrant grandparents, I know the special role New York City plays as a refuge to people from all over the world and at every state of life. But millions of our neighbors are locked out of opportunities; sent from high school to prison instead of college, over-policed for profit and denied the right to vote.  

I’m running because New York City needs leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up to the forces of political corruption and indifference. Our city faces a series of unique challenges made tougher by a broken status quo. We need bold structural change.  

I got my start in New York politics as a communications director in the New York Senate. During my time working in the Democratic caucus, we created new paths for immigrant kids to go to college, passed needed protections for women facing healthcare discrimination, and fought to get seniors languishing in over-crowded jails home to their families. I also worked to launch a partner program with CUNY Law School providing free legal assistance to people facing problems with their housing and immigration status.  

I’m running to fight for the rights of every one of my NYC neighbors: well-funded public schools for our kids, affordable and reliable public transportation, green spaces for our families, fair opportunities for housing, employment, access to food and recreation, and healthcare for all.  

The greatest city in the world must be a place where every person has the opportunity to succeed.  This is our City.  It’s on us to embody the values of courage, compassion and community that move us forward together.

Join me.