"Our city advances when our workers can too. By connecting city workers to undergraduate and graduate educations, we're empowering the next generation of civil servants who act ambitiously, think creatively and believe firmly in government's ability to improve the lives of working people."
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need to protect the community, stating, 'On behalf of my constituents and nearly 64,000 local residents impacted by this project, I am requesting that your administration reject any plans to expand the Cross Bronx Expressway beyond its current footprint.'
Mamdani opened up about his journey from immigrant child to becoming the city's 112th mayor, calling it a dream realized. Born in Uganda in 1991 and arriving in New York at age 7, he's now the youngest person to hold the office in over a century and the city's first Muslim and African-born mayor.
Mamdani stated that the City Council's budget strategy effectively ensures this structural deficit will continue indefinitely, impacting vital city services and failing to solve deep financial problems.
Pelosi outlined her groundbreaking journey from housewife to House Speaker a powerful position second in line of succession to the president. She is now retiring from Congress after nearly 40 years representing San Francisco.
Bronx politics has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Since 2006, only Carl Heastie, Jeff Dinowitz, and maybe Jose M. Serrano remain elected. The demographic shift is evident, with areas like Throggs Neck and Morris Park now represented by Latino women, reflecting a growing Latino population, particularly Dominicans.
Over the past several decades, Staten Island has undergone a profound demographic transformation. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Black and Latino residents now make up nearly 30% of the borough's population, up from a bit more than 10% in 1980. These residents are raising families, building businesses, and contributing significantly to the social and economic life of the borough. Yet, when it comes to congressional representation, they are denied a meaningful voice.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul offered encouraging words to the state's immigrant community during her recent State of the State address. She voiced support for expanding protections and legal options for immigrants in response to the federal government's evolving immigration enforcement efforts. Her support is necessary. However, it is imperative that the governor and the Legislature work on comprehensive legislation and financial resources to protect all New Yorkers.
These are unprecedented times and Antonio is the best candidate to fight for working families in Washington D.C. and build a movement strong enough to defeat the forces of authoritarianism. Reynoso is deeply trusted by our movement.
The district, which straddles Western Queens and North Brooklyn, is one of the most liberal districts in the country and has been dubbed the "Commie Corridor" after the 2025 mayoral election, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo by over 40 points in the district during the Democratic primary. Velázquez, who announced late last year that she would not seek re-election
In his first weeks in office, Mamdani has moved on several initiatives that directly affect the borough. He revived the Just Home supportive housing project at Jacobi Hospital, a development that stalled last year. He advanced plans for new bus lanes along Fordham Road, one of the city's busiest corridors. And through his Rental Ripoff hearings, he has pledged to bring city officials into the Bronx for public sessions focused on housing conditions and tenant protections.
As a candidate, he eschewed the idea - saying he would be too busy governing to march. "I haven't thought much about parades, to be honest with you," Mamdani said during a general election debate. But as a mayor who rose to power by appealing to oft-overlooked constituencies like young, South Asian and Muslim voters, Mamdani has also governed with a pragmatic streak.
Inside Government is a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them. This edition of Inside Government with PoliticsNY features United States Representative Nydia Velázquez. Representative Velázquez serves the Seventh Congressional District which includes parts of Queens and Brooklyn. What are your top legislative priorities for 2026? Immigration, foreign policy and housing
The New York City Council on Wednesday unanimously elected Manhattan Council Member Julie Menin as speaker the first Jewish person to hold the post, a role in which she pledged to be a speaker for every single member of this council. Menin was elected during the Council's 2026 Charter Meeting on Jan. 7, opening a new legislative session and continuing a women-majority Council.