Nily Rozic

Nily Rozic is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 25th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held this position since 2013. Her district encompasses several communities in the northeast portion of Queens, including Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Bayside, and Douglaston. Rozic's background and legislative work reflect her commitment to her constituents and her active role in state politics.

Early life and career

Nily Rozic was born on March 15, 1986, in Jerusalem, Israel, to parents of Argentine Jewish descent who had immigrated to Israel from Argentina. This multicultural background has likely influenced her perspectives and approach to public service. Rozic's early education took place at Townsend Harris High School, a well-regarded institution known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to preparing students for higher education.

Following her high school graduation, Rozic pursued higher education at New York University, where she began to develop her interests in public affairs and civic engagement. She later attended Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, which is recognized for its focus on public administration and policy. This educational foundation equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in public service and laid the groundwork for her future political endeavors.

Before entering the Assembly, Rozic gained valuable experience in the political arena by serving as the chief of staff to Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh. In this role, she was involved in various legislative initiatives and gained insight into the workings of the New York State Assembly. This position allowed her to build a network of contacts and understand the legislative process, which would prove beneficial when she decided to run for office herself.

Legislative service

Nily Rozic's political career began in earnest when she decided to run for the New York State Assembly in 2012. The seat was vacated by Rory Lancman, the former Democratic representative of the 25th District. Rozic entered the Democratic primary, where she faced Jerry Iannece from Bayside. In a competitive race, she emerged victorious, securing 55.6 percent of the votes cast in the primary election. Following her success in the primary, Rozic advanced to the general election, where she faced Conservative Party nominee William N. Garifal Jr. and Republican candidate Abe Fuchs. She won the general election, marking the beginning of her tenure in the Assembly.

In subsequent elections, Rozic continued to demonstrate her electoral strength. In 2014, she was unopposed in the Democratic primary and also faced no challengers in the general election, running as the candidate of the Working Families Party and the Independence Party. This unopposed status indicated her solidified position within her party and the confidence her constituents had in her leadership.

In 2016, Rozic sought re-election for a third term. Once again, she was unopposed in the Democratic primary, showcasing her continued support within the party. In the general election, she faced Republican candidate Usman Ali Chohan. Rozic secured her third term with a significant majority, receiving approximately 76.36 percent of the vote, which translated to around 22,000 voters supporting her candidacy.

Throughout her time in the Assembly, Rozic has held various committee appointments that reflect her areas of interest and expertise. She currently serves as the Chair of the Assembly's Consumer Protection Committee, where she focuses on issues related to consumer rights and protections. Additionally, she is a member of several important legislative groups, including the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force. Her involvement in these committees allows her to advocate for the diverse communities within her district and address their specific needs.

Rozic has also served on several other committees, including the Assembly's Rules, Ways & Means, Labor, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committees. Her previous role as chair of the State-Federal Relations Task Force and her appointment as chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues in 2017 further illustrate her commitment to addressing a wide range of legislative concerns.

Policy focus and district

Nily Rozic's legislative work has centered on various policy areas that are significant to her constituents and the broader New York community. One of her notable initiatives includes co-sponsoring a bill aimed at improving safety in parking lots across New York State. This legislation, developed in collaboration with New York State Senator John Liu, addresses the growing concerns regarding dangerous driving behaviors in these areas, reflecting her responsiveness to public safety issues.

In addition to her focus on consumer protection and safety, Rozic has also prioritized healthcare access and equity. She co-sponsored a bill designed to expand foreign language interpretation and translation services in hospitals and other medical facilities throughout New York. This initiative aims to enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that all individuals receive equitable care regardless of their language proficiency.

Rozic's district, which includes Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Bayside, and Douglaston, is characterized by its diverse population and vibrant communities. This diversity informs her policy priorities and legislative initiatives, as she seeks to represent the interests of all constituents effectively. Her work in the Assembly reflects a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by the residents of her district, including issues related to education, healthcare, and consumer rights.

In recognition of her contributions to New York State politics, Rozic was named a Rising Star on City & State's annual list of the Next Generation of Political Leaders in 2013. This acknowledgment highlights her influence as a young elected official and underscores her potential for continued leadership in the future.

Nily Rozic resides in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where she remains connected to the community she serves. Her personal experiences and professional background continue to shape her approach to governance, as she works to address the needs and concerns of her constituents in the New York State Assembly.