Biography

Adriano Espaillat, born on September 27, 1954, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, is a Democratic U.S. Representative serving New York's 13th Congressional District. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1964, settling in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. In 2016, Espaillat made history as the first Dominican American and the first formerly undocumented immigrant elected to the U.S. Congress. His district encompasses Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and parts of the northwest Bronx.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Espaillat graduated from Bishop Dubois High School in 1974 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Queens College, City University of New York, in 1978.

• Political Experience:

  • *New York State Assembly *: In 1996, Espaillat became the first Dominican American elected to a state legislature, serving in the New York State Assembly from 1997 to 2010.
  • *New York State Senate *: He was elected to the New York State Senate in 2010, representing the 31st District, which includes parts of Manhattan and the Bronx.
  • *U.S. House of Representatives *: First elected in 2016, Espaillat has been serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 13th Congressional District since January 3, 2017.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• *Congressional Hispanic Caucus *: In November 2024, Espaillat was unanimously elected as Chairman of the CHC for the 119th Congress, representing the largest body of Latino lawmakers at the federal level.
• Committee Assignments: He serves on the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, where he is the ranking member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee.
• Legislative Initiatives: During the 118th Congress, Espaillat introduced over 50 bills and resolutions aimed at supporting small businesses, protecting minority and immigrant rights, and enhancing educational opportunities. Notably, his bill to designate Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem as a National Commemorative Site was passed by both the House and Senate.
• Infrastructure Advocacy: He secured significant federal funding for the Second Avenue Subway's second phase, improving transit access for historically underserved communities.

Throughout his career, Representative Espaillat has been a steadfast advocate for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, infrastructure improvements, and better educational opportunities, reflecting his commitment to the constituents of New York's 13th Congressional District.