Jessica González-Rojas

Jessica González-Rojas is a reproductive rights activist, politician, and academic. She currently serves as a Democratic member of the 34th District of the New York State Assembly, having been elected in 2020 after defeating incumbent Michael DenDekker in the primary.[1]

Jessica González-Rojas
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 34th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2021
Preceded byMichael DenDekker
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
Other political
affiliations		Democratic Socialists of America
Alma materBoston University
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

González-Rojas previously served as the executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, an organization that advocates for access to affordable health and reproductive care for Latino and immigrant communities.[2] González-Rojas has additionally served as an adjunct professor of Latino and Latin American Studies at the City University of New York's City College.

González-Rojas is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)[3], the largest socialist organization in the United States.

Early life and education

González-Rojas earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from Boston University and a Master's in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.[2] González-Rojas is of Paraguayan and Puerto Rican descent.[4]

Career

In 2019, González-Rojas announced she is running in the 2020 Democratic primary for the 34th district of the New York State Assembly, held by Michael DenDekker, and covering parts of Jackson Heights, Woodside, and East Elmhurst, all within Queens, New York.[5] She won the June primary and the November election.

Political views

González-Rojas is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)[3]. In her 2020 run, she was endorsed by Bernie Sanders[6]. In the 2021 New York City mayoral election, she was the first elected official to endorse Dianne Morales, a progressive nonprofit executive[7].

Jessica González-Rojas at the introduction for the EACH Woman Act legislation.

References
  1. "Progressive challenger Jessica González-Rojas wins Jackson Heights Assembly primary". QNS.com.
  2. "Executive Director". National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2018-03-01.
  3. Contributor, Max Parrott, Chronicle. "Leftward wave still showing its energy". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-02-07.
  4. Mays, Jeffery C.; Ferré-Sadurní, Luis (2020-06-30). "Insurgent Wave in New York Pushes Old Guard Democrats Aside". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
  5. "Jackson Heights leader challenges six-term incumbent Assemblyman DenDekker". Queens Daily Eagle.
  6. "Jessica González-Rojas". Bernie Sanders Official Website. Retrieved 2021-02-07.
  7. https://twitter.com/votejgr/status/1358129747579002881. Missing or empty |title= (help)


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