José M. Serrano

Who is José M. Serrano?

José Marco Serrano is a member of the New York State Senate, representing Mott Haven, Melrose, Highbridge, Morris Heights, Spanish Harlem, Yorkville, Roosevelt Island and part of the Upper West Side. He is the son of U.S. Congressman José Serrano.

A lifelong South Bronx resident, Serrano was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2004. He beat out Republican Olga Mendez, a 26-year incumbent in the district.

Serrano graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in Government, and went on to work for the New York Shakespeare Festival.

In 2001, Senator Serrano was elected to the New York City Council, representing Melrose, Mott Haven, Longwood, and Hunt’s Point. He focused on issues relating to affordable housing, daycare for children of low-income families, and the environment. He also chaired the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.

Serrano ran for the Senate in 2004. According to the New York Times, which endorsed him, Serrano promised "to pursue unfinished and ignored business in the capital, including legislating an end to the Rockefeller drug laws." He would garner more than 80% of the vote in his victory over Olga Mendez.