Steven Raga
Steven Raga | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 30th district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Brian Barnwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Stony Brook University (BA, MPP) Cornell University (MS, MBA) Baruch College (MPA) |
| Signature | |
| Website | Campaign website State Assembly website |
Steven Raga is an American politician serving as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 30th district. A Democrat, Raga was first elected to the Assembly in November 2022. Assembly District 30 encompasses parts of Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Maspeth in the New York City borough of Queens. Raga is the first Filipino American to be elected to the New York State Legislature.
Early life and education
Raga was born and raised in the borough of Queens in New York City. He grew up in Woodside and was raised by a single immigrant mother who was evicted multiple times.[1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Policy from Stony Brook University, a Master of Business Administration from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, a Master of Science in healthcare management from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.[2]
Early career
In 2009, Raga founded Filipino American Unity for Progress.[3] He worked as a senior strategist for AARP,[4] served as chief of staff for Assemblymember Brian Barnwell for four years and was the northeast regional manager of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Raga has also served as executive director of Woodside on the Move.[3]
In 2021, Raga ran for the New York City Council in the 26th district.[5] He was defeated in the Democratic primary election with 3.2% of the vote.[6]
New York State Assembly
Raga is a Democrat.[7] In 2022, he ran for New York State Assembly in District 30.[3] He was first elected to the Assembly on November 8, 2022,[4] defeating Republican Sean Lally.[7] Raga is the first Filipino American to be elected to the New York State Legislature.[8] He was re-elected in 2024.[9]
Assembly District 30 includes portions of Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Maspeth in the New York City borough of Queens.[10]
Raga proposed New York State legislation for the State of New York to install 150 speed cameras to catch drivers who double park their vehicles in New York City only. Drivers who double park their cars will automatically be fined with the new technology when installed.[11]
New York State Senate
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Raga announced he is running for The New York State Senate to replace retiring Senator Michael Gianaris. The announcement was made on the corner of 46th Street and Queens Boulevard underneath the 7 train subway line.[12]
References
- ^ Andres, Czarinna (February 25, 2024). "Assemblymembers Raga and Ardila join dozens of Woodside residents fighting for statewide right to counsel". Queens Post. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ Francia, Caryl Anne. "Baruch alumnus becomes first Filipino American elected to NYS Assembly". The Ticker. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Steven Raga to Replace Brian Barnwell on the Ballot for the 30th Assembly District Seat". Astoria Post. April 14, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ a b "The 2023 NYC 40 Under 40". City & State NY. October 16, 2023.
- ^ Murray, Christian (February 21, 2021). "Steven Raga, Former Chief of Staff to Brian Barnwell, Announces Run for 26th District Council Seat". Sunnyside Post. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
- ^ "DEM Council Member 26th Council District". Vote NYC. New York City Board of Elections. July 20, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Raga declares victory in Assembly District 30 race". qns.com. November 8, 2022.
- ^ Parry, Bill (January 25, 2023). "Raga sworn in as first-ever Filipino American elected to the state Legislature". The Queens Courier. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "2024 NY State Assembly General Election Results". USA TODAY. January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Raga celebrates Hispanic and Filipino heritage with two community events". qns.com. November 3, 2025.
- ^ https://www.6sqft.com/new-york-lawmaker-proposes-cameras-to-fine-drivers-who-double-park/
- ^ https://qns.com/2026/02/raga-campaign-succeed-gianaris/