Jose Peralta
Encyclopedia
José Rafael Peralta represents District 13 in the New York State Senate
, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside. He previously represented District 39 in the New York State Assembly
, which is located in Queens, New York and includes Corona
, Elmhurst
and Jackson Heights
.
On March 16, 2010, he was elected in a landslide to the New York State Senate
. According to the Associated Press, Jose Peralta won the special election, outpolling Hiram Monserrate
65 percent to 27 percent and Republican Robert Beltrani with 8 percent.
from the Dominican Republic
, Peralta's father was employed as a bank teller. His mother, Rose Hernandez, worked as a seamstress. At the age of 8, Peralta moved with his family from Washington Heights, New York
to Queens. Peralta attended public elementary school in New York City, and graduated from Flushing High School
in 1989. He enrolled at Queens College, City University of New York
, and became the first Latino Student Body President at the college. Peralta graduated from Queens College in 1996, with a degree in psychology
.
After graduating from Queens College, Peralta was a community liaison in the New York State Assembly. Peralta represented the interests of immigrants on the New York City Central Labor Council, serving in the position of Director of the Commission on the Dignity for Immigrants.
Peralta was a political staffer on campaigns in New York including Brian McLaughlin's campaign for New York State Assembly
, Toby Stavisky's campaign for New York State Senate
, Alan Hevesi
election bid for New York City Comptroller
and Hillary Rodham Clinton
's campaign for United States Senate
. Peralta has a son, Miles, and he is married to Evelyn.
representing District 39. He ran as a Democrat
, and beat candidate Charles Gonzales, a Republican
. Peralta received 76 percent of the votes cast. He was the first Hispanic
from Queens, New York who won an election to serve in the state Assembly. The 39th Assembly District in New York was created in 2002, as a result of the significant increase in immigrant population in the region. During his campaign for Assembly, Peralta focused on the issue of registering new voters and increasing first-time voter motivation in the election process. "Over the years, this district has had a very low turnout. I think especially in our district, it's very important because we need to let individuals know how to get involved in the process," said Peralta. Of his reasons for entering the race, Peralta commented, "I want to bring a voice back to the community. I think we haven't received our fair share of resources". He stated after winning a seat in the Assembly, "I definitely want to focus on economic development, because that is what is needed in the community, as well as education."
Peralta was sworn in as a member of the Assembly by Civil Court Judge Diccia Pineda, also of Dominican heritage. Judge Diccia was the first Hispanic from Queens to become a member of the Civil Court. Peralta took the oath of office
in Corona, New York, at the New York Hall of Science
. In attendance at Peralta's swearing-in ceremony were United States Senator Charles Schumer
, Speaker of the New York State Assembly
Sheldon Silver
, and Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin. He began his career in the Assembly with a focus on job creation. In February 2003, Peralta was selected to become a member of five special Committees in the Assembly, including labor, banks, correction, cities and election law. In March 2003, the city council Black, Latino and Asian Caucus recognized Peralta with an honor for "his outstanding work as a new lawmaker, including his advocacy of immigrant rights and his efforts on behalf of minority working class groups".
Peralta worked with fellow members of the Assembly to pass the New York budget in 2003-2004, and he urged then-Governor George Pataki
to support it. "The Assembly passed a budget that makes the right choices for young students across the state by helping schools avoid cutting essential educational programs, laying off teachers and increasing local property taxes. Without a sound investment in our children and their education, New York would face crumbling school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and few opportunities to excel," commented Peralta. In March 2004, Peralta requested that state Republican leadership pass legislation which proposed to increase the state's minimum wage
to $7.15 per hour. Peralta attended a Dominican-American heritage event Merengue Night at the New York Mets
Shea Stadium
in July 2005, where general manager Omar Minaya
was honored. "It's the spirit of Dominicans coming out and the pride that we have in our music and our baseball players. Dominicans love two things: politics and baseball. When we're not talking politics, we're talking baseball," said Peralta.
In April 2007, Peralta introduced anti-gang legislation in the Assembly, that focused on creating "Gang Free School Zones" surrounding schools in New York. "We are here to say that if you are evil enough to threaten the life of a child, if you are evil enough to interfere with their education, and if you are evil enough to place in danger the future of our communities, you ought to be punished in a very special way," said Peralta at a meeting regarding the proposed legislation outside Department of Education headquarters in New York City
. In June 2007, Peralta was among a majority of the Assembly that voted to support passage of a same-sex marriage
bill in New York. Peralta commented on the legislation, "as a Catholic and a Latino, I was raised conservatively", and pointed out that according to practice he was taught to treat "my neighbor just as I would like to be treated." In September 2007, Peralta spoke in support of a proposal to have a city-wide identification card for all residents, "An ID card should dispel the concerns of all those who fear an underground society of undocumented immigrants that no one can identify,” Peralta said. “Now we will know who is who. In terms of security, it is a very positive step."
In January 2008, Peralta co-signed legislation with Sheldon Silver
, Audrey Pheffer
and Rory I. Lancman
, which put forth a proposal of $150 million in funding for families that had the possibility of their homes being foreclosed
upon. In 2008, Peralta's anti-gang legislation had been passed by the Assembly, but Republicans in the Senate did not move on the legislation because they asserted it was too costly. After five people were hurt by gunfire during the daytime hours, Peralta commented on his legislation, "After the shooting, I asked the Republicans in the Senate to approve this bill without delay. Saving lives is worth whatever expense needs to be made."
Peralta worked with fellow Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry
to change the Rockefeller drug laws
. Peralta served in the Assembly as Chair of the Subcommittee on Banking in Underserved Communities. He worked to encourage banks to move into underserved regions, through his Banking Development District legislation. As an Assemblyman, Peralta has frequently made public statements against domestic violence
. In March 2010, Peralta spoke out against rate hikes by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York
.
, for a seat representing District 13. The Queens Democratic Party lent support to Peralta in his campaign for the Senate seat. An article in The New York Times
in October 2009 described Peralta as "one of the party’s rising stars". Politician Hiram Monserrate
was expelled from the Senate on February 9, 2010 by a 53-8 vote of his former colleagues after being convicted of misdemeanor
assault
on his girlfriend Karla Giraldo. Peralta became a candidate for the March 16, 2010 special election to fill the Senate seat left vacant due to Monserrate's expulsion. United States Congressman
Joseph Crowley
, the chairman of the Queens Democrats, issued a statement in support of Peralta, commenting, "Now more than ever we need a strong voice in the state Senate and Jose Peralta will be a senator we can be proud of."
The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers endorsed Peralta on February 26, 2010. Civil rights
activist Al Sharpton
endorsed Peralta in February 2010. On March 2, 2010, Peralta received an endorsement from New York City Council
member Julissa Ferreras
. Peralta received the endorsement of the Empire State Pride Agenda
(ESPA), due to his support for LGBT rights. Peralta also received endorsements from groups including the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women
, building services workers union the Service Employees International Union
(SEIU) sector 32BJ, and Fight Back New York. "Peralta has a strong record of advocating for working families in the [Assembly]. Working families can count on him to be a leader in the fight for good jobs, affordable housing and an affordable state," said SEIU sector 32BJ president Mike Fishman. An editorial
in The New York Times
commented favorably regarding Peralta's campaign for the New York State Senate, "Elected in 2002 to the Assembly, he has a strong record of supporting immigrants and working people in the community. He has a long list of Democratic endorsements, from almost every union and public official who counts. Among the most enthusiastic are women’s groups."
On March 16, 2010, Peralta was elected in a landslide to the New York State Senate
. He was sworn in on March 17.
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside. He previously represented District 39 in the New York State Assembly
New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
, which is located in Queens, New York and includes Corona
Corona, Queens
Corona is a densely-populated neighborhood in the former Township of Newtown in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York, United States...
, Elmhurst
Elmhurst, Queens
Elmhurst is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It is bounded by Roosevelt Avenue on the north; Corona to the northeast; Junction Boulevard on the east; Rego Park to the southeast; the Long Island Expressway on the south; Middle Village to the south and southwest; and Maspeth...
and Jackson Heights
Jackson Heights, Queens
Jackson Heights is a neighborhood in the Northwestern portion of the borough of Queens in New York, New York, United States. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 3...
.
On March 16, 2010, he was elected in a landslide to the New York State Senate
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
. According to the Associated Press, Jose Peralta won the special election, outpolling Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate is a former member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 13th District which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside...
65 percent to 27 percent and Republican Robert Beltrani with 8 percent.
Early life and family
Peralta is a first-generation Dominican-American. After immigrating to the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
, Peralta's father was employed as a bank teller. His mother, Rose Hernandez, worked as a seamstress. At the age of 8, Peralta moved with his family from Washington Heights, New York
Washington Heights, New York
Washington Heights is a census-designated place in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 1,318 at the 2000 census.Washington heights is a contiguous suburb of City of Middletown...
to Queens. Peralta attended public elementary school in New York City, and graduated from Flushing High School
Flushing High School
Flushing High School is a four-year public high school in Flushing, in the New York City borough of Queens. The school is operated by the New York City Department of Education....
in 1989. He enrolled at Queens College, City University of New York
Queens College, City University of New York
Queens College, located in Flushing, Queens, New York City, is one of the senior colleges of the City University of New York. It is also the fifth oldest of the City University's twenty-three institutions of higher learning. The college's seventy seven acre campus is located in the heart of the...
, and became the first Latino Student Body President at the college. Peralta graduated from Queens College in 1996, with a degree in psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
.
After graduating from Queens College, Peralta was a community liaison in the New York State Assembly. Peralta represented the interests of immigrants on the New York City Central Labor Council, serving in the position of Director of the Commission on the Dignity for Immigrants.
Peralta was a political staffer on campaigns in New York including Brian McLaughlin's campaign for New York State Assembly
New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
, Toby Stavisky's campaign for New York State Senate
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
, Alan Hevesi
Alan Hevesi
Alan G. Hevesi is a Democratic politician whoserved as a New York State Assemblyman from 1971 to 1993, as Comptroller of the City of New York from 1994 to 2001, and as State Comptroller for the State of New York from 2003 to 2006...
election bid for New York City Comptroller
New York City Comptroller
The Office of Comptroller of New York City is the chief fiscal officer and chief auditing officer of the city. The comptroller is elected, citywide, to a four-year term and can hold office for three consecutive terms. The current comptroller is Democrat John Liu, formerly a member of the New York...
and Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the...
's campaign for United States Senate
Senate career of Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton served as a United States Senator from New York from January 3, 2001 to January 21, 2009. She won the United States Senate election in New York, 2000 and the United States Senate election in New York, 2006.-Assignments:...
. Peralta has a son, Miles, and he is married to Evelyn.
Political career
New York State Assembly
In the November 5, 2002 election, Peralta won a seat in the New York State AssemblyNew York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
representing District 39. He ran as a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
, and beat candidate Charles Gonzales, a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. Peralta received 76 percent of the votes cast. He was the first Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
from Queens, New York who won an election to serve in the state Assembly. The 39th Assembly District in New York was created in 2002, as a result of the significant increase in immigrant population in the region. During his campaign for Assembly, Peralta focused on the issue of registering new voters and increasing first-time voter motivation in the election process. "Over the years, this district has had a very low turnout. I think especially in our district, it's very important because we need to let individuals know how to get involved in the process," said Peralta. Of his reasons for entering the race, Peralta commented, "I want to bring a voice back to the community. I think we haven't received our fair share of resources". He stated after winning a seat in the Assembly, "I definitely want to focus on economic development, because that is what is needed in the community, as well as education."
Peralta was sworn in as a member of the Assembly by Civil Court Judge Diccia Pineda, also of Dominican heritage. Judge Diccia was the first Hispanic from Queens to become a member of the Civil Court. Peralta took the oath of office
Oath of office
An oath of office is an oath or affirmation a person takes before undertaking the duties of an office, usually a position in government or within a religious body, although such oaths are sometimes required of officers of other organizations...
in Corona, New York, at the New York Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science occupies one of the few remaining structures of the 1964 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park in the borough of Queens in New York City. Today, it stands as New York City's only hands-on science and technology center...
. In attendance at Peralta's swearing-in ceremony were United States Senator Charles Schumer
Charles Schumer
Charles Ellis "Chuck" Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New York and a member of the Democratic Party. First elected in 1998, he defeated three-term Republican incumbent Al D'Amato by a margin of 55%–44%. He was easily re-elected in 2004 by a margin of 71%–24% and in 2010 by a...
, Speaker of the New York State Assembly
Speaker of the New York State Assembly
The Speaker of the New York State Assembly is the highest official in the New York State Assembly, customarily elected from the ranks of the majority party....
Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver
Sheldon "Shelly" Silver is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from New York. He has held the office of Speaker of the New York State Assembly since 1994.- Personal life :...
, and Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin. He began his career in the Assembly with a focus on job creation. In February 2003, Peralta was selected to become a member of five special Committees in the Assembly, including labor, banks, correction, cities and election law. In March 2003, the city council Black, Latino and Asian Caucus recognized Peralta with an honor for "his outstanding work as a new lawmaker, including his advocacy of immigrant rights and his efforts on behalf of minority working class groups".
Peralta worked with fellow members of the Assembly to pass the New York budget in 2003-2004, and he urged then-Governor George Pataki
George Pataki
George Elmer Pataki is an American politician who was the 53rd Governor of New York. A member of the Republican Party, Pataki served three consecutive four-year terms from January 1, 1995 until December 31, 2006.- Early life :...
to support it. "The Assembly passed a budget that makes the right choices for young students across the state by helping schools avoid cutting essential educational programs, laying off teachers and increasing local property taxes. Without a sound investment in our children and their education, New York would face crumbling school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and few opportunities to excel," commented Peralta. In March 2004, Peralta requested that state Republican leadership pass legislation which proposed to increase the state's minimum wage
Minimum wage
A minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
to $7.15 per hour. Peralta attended a Dominican-American heritage event Merengue Night at the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
Shea Stadium
Shea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
in July 2005, where general manager Omar Minaya
Omar Minaya
Omar Teodoro Antonio Minaya y Sánchez is a former baseball executive who served as General Manager for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets.-Early life:...
was honored. "It's the spirit of Dominicans coming out and the pride that we have in our music and our baseball players. Dominicans love two things: politics and baseball. When we're not talking politics, we're talking baseball," said Peralta.
In April 2007, Peralta introduced anti-gang legislation in the Assembly, that focused on creating "Gang Free School Zones" surrounding schools in New York. "We are here to say that if you are evil enough to threaten the life of a child, if you are evil enough to interfere with their education, and if you are evil enough to place in danger the future of our communities, you ought to be punished in a very special way," said Peralta at a meeting regarding the proposed legislation outside Department of Education headquarters in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. In June 2007, Peralta was among a majority of the Assembly that voted to support passage of a same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
bill in New York. Peralta commented on the legislation, "as a Catholic and a Latino, I was raised conservatively", and pointed out that according to practice he was taught to treat "my neighbor just as I would like to be treated." In September 2007, Peralta spoke in support of a proposal to have a city-wide identification card for all residents, "An ID card should dispel the concerns of all those who fear an underground society of undocumented immigrants that no one can identify,” Peralta said. “Now we will know who is who. In terms of security, it is a very positive step."
In January 2008, Peralta co-signed legislation with Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver
Sheldon "Shelly" Silver is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from New York. He has held the office of Speaker of the New York State Assembly since 1994.- Personal life :...
, Audrey Pheffer
Audrey Pheffer
-External links:*******...
and Rory I. Lancman
Rory I. Lancman
Rory I. Lancman is a New York State Assembly member representing the 25th Assembly District in Queens, New York.Lancman was born and raised in Queens, where he has lived in what is now the 25th Assembly District for thirty-two years. He is a graduate of New York City Public School 164, Parsons...
, which put forth a proposal of $150 million in funding for families that had the possibility of their homes being foreclosed
Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a mortgage lender , or other lien holder, obtains a termination of a mortgage borrower 's equitable right of redemption, either by court order or by operation of law...
upon. In 2008, Peralta's anti-gang legislation had been passed by the Assembly, but Republicans in the Senate did not move on the legislation because they asserted it was too costly. After five people were hurt by gunfire during the daytime hours, Peralta commented on his legislation, "After the shooting, I asked the Republicans in the Senate to approve this bill without delay. Saving lives is worth whatever expense needs to be made."
Peralta worked with fellow Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry
Jeffrion Aubry
Jeffrion L. Aubry represents District 35 in the New York State Assembly, which comprises East Elmhurst, LeFrak City, and parts of Corona, Woodside, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst....
to change the Rockefeller drug laws
Rockefeller drug laws
The Rockefeller Drug Laws is the term used to denote the statutes dealing with the sale and possession of "narcotic" drugs in the New York State Penal Law. The laws are named after Nelson Rockefeller, who was the state's governor at the time the laws were adopted...
. Peralta served in the Assembly as Chair of the Subcommittee on Banking in Underserved Communities. He worked to encourage banks to move into underserved regions, through his Banking Development District legislation. As an Assemblyman, Peralta has frequently made public statements against domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
. In March 2010, Peralta spoke out against rate hikes by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York)
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York is a public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in the U.S...
.
New York State Senate
In October 2009, Peralta stated his intention to run for the New York State SenateNew York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
, for a seat representing District 13. The Queens Democratic Party lent support to Peralta in his campaign for the Senate seat. An article in The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
in October 2009 described Peralta as "one of the party’s rising stars". Politician Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate is a former member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 13th District which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside...
was expelled from the Senate on February 9, 2010 by a 53-8 vote of his former colleagues after being convicted of misdemeanor
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act in many common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished much less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions and regulatory offences...
assault
Assault
In law, assault is a crime causing a victim to fear violence. The term is often confused with battery, which involves physical contact. The specific meaning of assault varies between countries, but can refer to an act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence, or in the more...
on his girlfriend Karla Giraldo. Peralta became a candidate for the March 16, 2010 special election to fill the Senate seat left vacant due to Monserrate's expulsion. United States Congressman
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Joseph Crowley
Joseph Crowley
Joseph Crowley is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1999. He is the Chairman of the New Democrat Coalition and the Queens County Democratic Party. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
, the chairman of the Queens Democrats, issued a statement in support of Peralta, commenting, "Now more than ever we need a strong voice in the state Senate and Jose Peralta will be a senator we can be proud of."
The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers endorsed Peralta on February 26, 2010. Civil rights
Civil rights
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the state without discrimination or repression.Civil rights include...
activist Al Sharpton
Al Sharpton
Alfred Charles "Al" Sharpton, Jr. is an American Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and television/radio talk show host. In 2004, he was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidential election...
endorsed Peralta in February 2010. On March 2, 2010, Peralta received an endorsement from New York City Council
New York City Council
The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York. It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The Council serves as a check against the mayor in a "strong" mayor-council government model. The council monitors performance of city agencies and...
member Julissa Ferreras
Julissa Ferreras
Julissa Ferreras is a Democratic member of the New York City Council residing in and representing the 21st district of Queens, which includes Elmhurst, Corona, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights.- Early career :...
. Peralta received the endorsement of the Empire State Pride Agenda
Empire State Pride Agenda
The Empire State Pride Agenda is a statewide political advocacy organization in New York that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights, including same-sex marriage. ESPA was founded in 1990 through the merger of the New York State Gay and Lesbian Lobby and the Friends and...
(ESPA), due to his support for LGBT rights. Peralta also received endorsements from groups including the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women
National Organization for Women
The National Organization for Women is the largest feminist organization in the United States. It was founded in 1966 and has a membership of 500,000 contributing members. The organization consists of 550 chapters in all 50 U.S...
, building services workers union the Service Employees International Union
Service Employees International Union
Service Employees International Union is a labor union representing about 1.8 million workers in over 100 occupations in the United States , and Canada...
(SEIU) sector 32BJ, and Fight Back New York. "Peralta has a strong record of advocating for working families in the [Assembly]. Working families can count on him to be a leader in the fight for good jobs, affordable housing and an affordable state," said SEIU sector 32BJ president Mike Fishman. An editorial
Editorial
An opinion piece is an article, published in a newspaper or magazine, that mainly reflects the author's opinion about the subject. Opinion pieces are featured in many periodicals.-Editorials:...
in The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
commented favorably regarding Peralta's campaign for the New York State Senate, "Elected in 2002 to the Assembly, he has a strong record of supporting immigrants and working people in the community. He has a long list of Democratic endorsements, from almost every union and public official who counts. Among the most enthusiastic are women’s groups."
On March 16, 2010, Peralta was elected in a landslide to the New York State Senate
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
. He was sworn in on March 17.
Election results
- November 2002 general electionGeneral electionIn a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, NYS Assembly, 39th ADJose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 5,782 Charley S. Gonzalez (REP New York Republican State CommitteeThe New York Republican State Committee is the affiliate of the United States Republican Party in New York, headquartered in Albany.-History:...
- INDIndependence Party of New YorkThe Independence Party is an affiliate in the U.S. state of New York of the Independence Party of America. The party was founded in 1991 by Dr. Gordon Black, Tom Golisano, and Laureen Oliver from Rochester, New York, and acquired ballot status in 1994...
- CON - RTLNew York State Right to Life PartyThe New York State Right to Life Party was founded to oppose the legalization of abortion in New York in 1970. The party first made the state ballot in the 1978 gubernatorial election, where its candidate Mary Jane Tobin won 130,000 votes...
)... 2,085
- November 2004 general electionGeneral electionIn a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, NYS Assembly, 39th ADJose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 12,415 Giash U. Ahmed (REP New York Republican State CommitteeThe New York Republican State Committee is the affiliate of the United States Republican Party in New York, headquartered in Albany.-History:...
)... 1,966
- November 2006 general electionGeneral electionIn a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, NYS Assembly, 39th ADJose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 7,081 (uncontested)
- November 2008 general electionGeneral electionIn a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, NYS Assembly, 39th ADJose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 12,664 (uncontested)
- March 2010 special election, NYS Senate, 13th SD
Jose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 10,337 Robert Beltrani (REP New York Republican State CommitteeThe New York Republican State Committee is the affiliate of the United States Republican Party in New York, headquartered in Albany.-History:...
)... 1,162 Hiram Monserrate Hiram MonserrateHiram Monserrate is a former member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 13th District which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside...
(YWC)... 4,223
- November 2010 general electionGeneral electionIn a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, NYS Senate, 13th SDJose R. Peralta (DEM New York State Democratic CommitteeThe New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York. Its headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and it has an office in Albany.-List of chairpersons:...
- WORWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
)... 23,962 Richard La Salle (REP New York Republican State CommitteeThe New York Republican State Committee is the affiliate of the United States Republican Party in New York, headquartered in Albany.-History:...
- INDIndependence Party of New YorkThe Independence Party is an affiliate in the U.S. state of New York of the Independence Party of America. The party was founded in 1991 by Dr. Gordon Black, Tom Golisano, and Laureen Oliver from Rochester, New York, and acquired ballot status in 1994...
- CON)... 4,979