Jessica Ramos
Jan. 25, 2018 By Tara Law
A Jackson Heights woman and former city hall staffer announced today that she will run against incumbent Jose Peralta for his state Senate seat.
Jessica Ramos, 32, is running as a “real Democrat” to represent Senate District 13, which includes Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Corona. She held a press conference announcing her run at P.S. 69, where her two sons attend school.
Ramos said that her decision to run was largely motivated by Peralta’s decision to join the Independent Democratic Conference, a break-away group of Democratic senators who joined forces with Republicans to form a majority in the aftermath of the 2016 election.
She choose to make the announcement today since it marks the one year anniversary since Peralta joined the IDC.
“One year ago today, the bigot in the White House announced a travel ban on majority Muslim countries, targeting our fellow Queens residents and making them feel unsafe. That same day, our state senator —who calls himself a Democrat — joined the conference that concedes control of our senate to Republicans,” Ramos said.
The break-away group tipped the balance of power in the Senate. Although Democrats have had the majority of seats—the eight-member coalition’s decision to caucus with the Republican has helped put the Republicans in control.
Peralta contends that his affiliation with the IDC has allowed him to bring great resources back to the district and that he has maintained his progressive values. Furthermore, he has been able to pass significantly more bills, he says, including legislation to provide paid parental leave and a minimum wage increase.
Ramos said that the IDC—with members such as Peralta—has put the protection of women’s rights and immigrant rights at risk, since the Republicans are in control.
“Now more than ever, state government should be our defensive line against the Trump White House—but instead, our state senator is siding with Republicans to block single-payer healthcare, the DREAM Act, and more,” she said. “I’m a real Democrat, and I will vote with my party.”
Ramos, who has lived in the district for her entire life, has worked for much of her career as a communications specialist for workers’ unions and the city.
Ramos had most recently worked as the Director of Latino Media for the mayor, acting as a liaison between City Hall and the Latino media. She left that position in December.
She served as the Democratic District Leader from 2010 to 2014 and is a former member of Community Board 3.
“I’ve worked in public service for my whole life,” Ramos said. “I want to be a spokesperson and an advocate for my neighbors.”
Ramos lives in Jackson Heights with her husband Brendan Sexton, who is the director of organizing at UFCW Local 1500, and her two sons, aged 4 and 6.
Ramos spoke at her press conference today in Bengali and Spanish. She told the audience that she is the daughter of Colombian immigrants and wants New York State to become a sanctuary state.
She also said that she is committed to pursuing stronger protections for tenants and aims to repeal the Urstadt Law, which restricts New York City from passing stricter rent regulations.
Featured Events
9 Comments
Sorry Jessica …
I respect your
effort & zeal but
you simply need
more Experience
Peralta was in the
State Assembly for
7 years and has
proven to be a highly effective
legislator with
proven results
Peralta is a long
standing resident
in the District
Family Man
Excellent constituent
services
Defender of all
factions of his
/ our District
Upstart wannabes
talk. talk, talk …
Peralta has delivered for
over 8 years
Experience Matters
Viva Peralta
Richie V
The Rabid Activist
This is what we need, this is our next senator. What progress has peraltta made beside having community events paid by sponsors and visiting schools for pictures, this is embarassing
He has a long-standing record of assisting the community. Have you ever visited his office? The staff are eager to help and there are many resources available that I never knew existed. Why not drop by?
Is that her in the black ? She’s hot,
Jessica gets my vote; buh-bye Peralta and GOP control of the State Senate… Finally!
Because Obama was a decent man that didn’t cheat on his multiple wives; didn’t lie every day; didn’t collude with a foreign power; didn’t appoint 24 year olds or NeoNazis; rescued the economy from a depression; won the popular vote – twice; defended civil rights; increased insurance coverage, etc.
get over it Trump won — how come you have never anything bad about Obama — one way street i see —
We have finally reached the point where the Republican Party is defending treason. Well then again, it has always been about the person or the affiliates of the person who committed the crime and never truly about the crime itself with Republicans. Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort or 007 as he likes to call himself,is charged with conspiracy against the United States, money laundering, and tax fraud. His former business associate Rick Gates, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, also turned himself in. Manafort has been accused of funneling millions of dollars through overseas shell corporations, and spending the cash on extravagant luxuries, like fancy rugs and over one-million dollars in men’s clothing. Yes Trump won with the help of a hostile foreign power and the propaganda machine known as Fox News. Fact!
Are you serious? You think Trump is a better President than Obama. I don’t like that People treat Obama like a Saint especially Latinos. He deported more illegals than anyone. I’m no fan of Obama but Trump sucks. Everything to him is fake news with his alternative facts. This system is garbage because people are ignorant. We had 2 shitty candidates and both parties let it happen cuz fuck it the mob is stupid. We as humans are fucked up people we only help each other when it’s a tragedy not everyday. Remember the day after 9/11 I do very well. This neighborhood was full of candles and people helping each other but how quickly we turn to assholes and only have concern for ourselves. This is the state of country now. Fuck the poor and immigrants. The elite use ignorance and hate to turn us against each other and it works. Ask Hitler. Humans are fucked up.