Why I’m Running for State Assembly
by Jessica González-Rojas

Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside are among the most diverse neighborhoods in the world. It takes a leader who understands and connects to the experiences and struggles of our community to be an effective representative. We need a leader who will fight for all of us.
I am running for State Assembly because we deserve a choice in who represents us. For too long, we have been represented by someone who was handpicked by the party bosses in a rigged process that shut voters out. Someone who was more interested in aiding those in power than in helping those in need. Someone who has never had to face a challenger and who does not reflect our values or our diversity. The voters in the 34th Assembly District deserve to experience democracy and have their voices heard. It is time for a change.
I am running for State Assembly because the stakes are too high. Racism, xenophobia, attacks on women and LBGTQ+ people are becoming normalized. Income inequality and lack of healthcare access are destroying the fabric of our society. Families are getting pushed out of homes they can no longer afford and too many workers are not getting paid a living wage.
I am running for State Assembly because I am committed to making Medicare for All a reality in New York state because healthcare is a human right. I will work to ensure that our state becomes a sanctuary for our immigrant neighbors, and that our public schools are fully funded.
I am running for State Assembly because I am an activist with a proven track record of standing up and speaking out against injustices. I was on the founding board of NICE (New Immigrant Community Empowerment), a Jackson Heights-based organization, which fights for workers and immigrant rights. To expand participation in local government, I was a founding member of the progressive New Visions Democratic Club. In 2002, I successfully defeated the party-backed candidate to become the first Latina to represent our community on the State Committee. And for the past 13 years, I have served as the leader of an organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance gender justice, becoming a nationally recognized advocate for universal health care and reproductive freedom.
Through my community activism on immigration, I’ve witnessed the challenges that everyday families face when looking to secure stable housing, raise children, seek dignified work, and succeed in this country. And through my advocacy on gender and reproductive justice, I see how laws deeply impact our ability to make autonomous decisions about our bodies, health, family, and future. I know that fighting together we can bring about the change we need.
But I can’t do the work alone. Will you join me?
Get involved: www.VoteJGR.com