Diana Moreno

Diana Moreno is a current member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th district. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, she succeeded Zohran Mamdani after he was elected Mayor of New York City. Moreno was sworn into office shortly after winning a special election, marking the beginning of her legislative career.

Early life and career

Diana Moreno was born on August 26, 1987, in Quito, Ecuador. She spent her formative years in her hometown before her family immigrated to the United States in 1999, settling in Lakeland, Florida, when she was eleven years old. This transition marked a significant change in her life, as she adapted to a new culture and environment.

Moreno pursued higher education at the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2011. Her academic journey continued, and in 2016, she completed a Master of Arts in Latino studies at the same institution. During her time at the University of Florida, she took on the role of assistant director of multicultural and diversity affairs, where she focused on promoting inclusivity and supporting diverse student populations.

In 2019, Moreno relocated to Queens, New York, to work with the New Immigrant Community Empowerment organization. In this capacity, she dedicated her efforts to advocating for immigrant rights and supporting the needs of new arrivals in the community. She remained with this organization until 2023, gaining valuable experience in grassroots organizing and community engagement.

Following her tenure at the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, Moreno served as the communications manager for the New York State Nurses Association. She held this position until October 2025, when she decided to leave her role to concentrate on her campaign for the New York State Assembly. Throughout her career, Moreno has been involved in various community initiatives and has worked to uplift marginalized voices.

In addition to her professional roles, Moreno has been active in political organizing. She served as co-chair of the Queens branch of the Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) from 2021 to 2023. Following this, she took on the position of communications coordinator for the organization from 2023 to 2024. Her involvement with NYC-DSA included volunteering for the campaigns of several candidates aligned with democratic socialist principles in Queens, such as State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assemblymembers Zohran Mamdani and Claire Valdez, and Councilmember Tiffany Cabán.

Legislative service

Moreno's entry into the New York State Assembly was marked by her announcement in October 2025 of her candidacy for a special election in the 36th district. This decision came in anticipation of the possibility that incumbent Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani would be elected as Mayor of New York City in the 2025 election. Following Mamdani's successful bid for the mayoralty, Moreno received endorsements from both the NYC-DSA and Mamdani himself, which bolstered her campaign.

In addition to these endorsements, Moreno was nominated by both the Queens Democratic Party and the New York Working Families Party, solidifying her position as a leading candidate in the special election. The primary contest featured other candidates, including Mary Jobaida and Rana Abdelhamid, who also sought the Democratic nomination. However, Moreno emerged victorious in the primary, with Jobaida attempting to secure an endorsement from NYC-DSA but ultimately not succeeding. Both Jobaida and Abdelhamid subsequently ran as independents in the special election against Moreno.

On election night, the Associated Press reported that Moreno had won the special election, officially marking the beginning of her legislative service in the New York State Assembly. Her victory represented a continuation of the progressive representation in the district, following Mamdani's tenure.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Moreno represents the 36th district, which encompasses parts of Queens. Her policy focus is likely influenced by her background in community organizing and her commitment to social justice issues. Given her previous work with immigrant communities and her role in the New York State Nurses Association, it can be inferred that she prioritizes healthcare access, immigrant rights, and social equity in her legislative agenda.

Moreno's experiences in grassroots organizing and her academic background in political science and Latino studies provide her with a unique perspective on the challenges facing her constituents. Her advocacy for marginalized communities is expected to inform her legislative priorities, as she seeks to address the needs of diverse populations within her district.

In addition to her policy interests, Moreno's personal life also reflects her commitment to inclusivity and representation. She resides in Astoria, Queens, with her partner and their son, and identifies as queer. This aspect of her identity may further influence her legislative focus, as she advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the political sphere.

As she continues her service in the New York State Assembly, Moreno's background, experiences, and community engagement are likely to shape her contributions to the legislative process and her efforts to serve the constituents of the 36th district effectively. Her election represents a continuation of progressive leadership in New York, as she works to address the pressing issues facing her community and the state at large.