José M. Serrano

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José M. Serrano
José M. Serrano

Member of the New York State Senate
from the 28th district
Incumbent
Assumed office 
2005
Preceded by Olga A. Mendez

Born June 19, 1972 (1972-06-19) (age 35)
South Bronx, New York
Political party Democratic
Residence South Bronx, New York
Alma mater Manhattan College

José M. Serrano, son of the long-time US Representative by the same name, is a member of the New York State Senate, representing the South Bronx, East Harlem, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island. He is the son of U.S. Congressman José Serrano.

A lifelong South Bronx resident, Serrano was elected to the New York State Senate in November of 2004. He beat out Republican Olga Mendez, a 26-year incumbent in the district.

Serrano graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in Government, and went on to work for the New York Shakespeare Festival.

In 2001, Senator Serrano was elected to the New York City Council (District 17), representing Melrose, Mott Haven, and Hunt’s Point. He focused on issues relating to affordable housing, daycare for children of low-income families, and the environment. He also chaired the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.

Serrano ran for the Senate in 2004. According to the New York Times, which endorsed him, Serrano promised "to pursue unfinished and ignored business in the capital, including legislating an end to the Rockefeller drug laws." He would garner more than 80% of the vote in his victory over Olga Mendez.

In Albany, Serrano has thusfar stuck to the core issues on his progressive agenda: environmental protection; affordable housing and healthcare; and promoting the arts as an economic engine. He was appointed Chair of The Senate Minority Task Force on the Arts and Cultural Affairs by Senate Minority Leader David Paterson.

As of October 2006, Serrano runs unopposed for a second two-year term in the State Senate.

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Preceded by
Pedro G. Espada
New York City Council, 17th District
2002–2004
Succeeded by
Maria del Carmen Arroyo
Preceded by
Olga A. Mendez
New York State Senate, 28th District
2005–present
Incumbent