Diana Ayala
Diana Ayala is an American politician, currently serving as a member of the New York City Council. Ayala won the seat being vacated by Melissa Mark-Viverito in 2017.[1] The district includes Concourse, East Harlem, Highbridge, Longwood, Mott Haven, Port Morris, and Randall's Island. She is a member of the Democratic Party.[2]
Diana Ayala | |
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Member of the New York City Council from the 8th District | |
Assumed office January 1, 2018 | |
Preceded by | Melissa Mark-Viverito |
Personal details | |
Political party | Democratic |
Alma mater | Bronx Community College |
Website | Official website |
Early life and education
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, she and her family moved to New York City as a child. They lived in public housing after living in shelters. She received an associate degree in Human Services from Bronx Community College.
Career
Ayala worked as a Senior Center Director in East Harlem for seven years. She then served as Constituent Services Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for her predecessor, Melissa Mark-Viverito.[3]
New York City Council
Diana Ayala ran against three other candidates in the Democratic primary (which is the real election, in a heavily democratic district such as this one) for the open 8th city council district. Ayala had the support of Melissa Mark-Viverito, the term-limited incumbent and Speaker. Ayala's main primary opponent was Robert J. Rodriguez, an assemblyman. Ayala won the primary narrowly with 43.5% of the vote (4,012 votes) to Rodriguez's 42.23% (3,895 votes). In the general election, Ayala won 91.07% of the vote. (13,617 votes), while her Republican opponent, Daby Carreras, won 5.26% (787 votes) and her Conservative opponent, Linda Ortiz, won 3.30% of the vote (494 votes).[4]
Personal life
Ayala and her long-time partner live in East Harlem She has four children and three grandchildren.[5]
References
- "Ayala Declares Victory in Tight Race to Replace Melissa Mark-Viverito". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on 2018-01-01. Retrieved 2018-01-01.
- Diana Ayala Wins East Harlem City Council Primary
- City Council Bio
- "Diana Ayala - Ballotpedia". Retrieved 2018-01-01.
- City Council Bio
External links
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Melissa Mark-Viverito |
New York City Council, 8th District 2018–present |
Incumbent |