Marcela Mitaynes

Marcela Mitaynes is a Peruvian-American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 51st district. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, she has established herself as a prominent advocate for tenant rights and housing reform. Mitaynes is affiliated with the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, reflecting her commitment to progressive policies and social justice issues.

Early life and career

Marcela Mitaynes was born in the Department of Puno, Peru, where she spent her early childhood. At a young age, she relocated to New York City, where she was raised in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. This transition from Peru to the United States has shaped her identity and informed her political perspective, particularly regarding issues of housing and immigrant rights. Growing up in a vibrant, multicultural environment, Mitaynes was exposed to the challenges faced by immigrant communities, which later influenced her advocacy work.

In terms of education, Mitaynes pursued higher learning at the City University of New York (CUNY), where she earned an Associate of Science degree in Accounting from Kingsborough Community College. This educational background provided her with a foundational understanding of financial matters, which would later play a role in her political career, particularly in discussions surrounding economic justice and housing affordability. The skills and knowledge gained during her studies have been instrumental in her work as a tenant organizer and legislator.

Before entering politics, Mitaynes was actively involved in tenant organizing, a role that emerged from her personal experiences with housing instability. In 2006, she and her family faced eviction from their apartment, an event that galvanized her commitment to advocating for tenant rights. This experience not only shaped her understanding of the housing crisis but also motivated her to engage with community organizations and movements aimed at protecting renters from displacement and advocating for stronger tenant protections.

Legislative service

Mitaynes began her political career by running for office in the Democratic primary for the 51st district of the New York State Assembly on June 23, 2020. This election marked her first foray into electoral politics, where she faced off against the incumbent, Félix Ortiz, who had held the position for several terms. On election night, initial results showed Mitaynes trailing Ortiz by a margin of 464 votes. However, as absentee ballots were counted, the dynamics shifted, and she ultimately gained a lead of 240 votes. This unexpected turn of events culminated in Ortiz conceding the race on July 16, 2020.

Following her primary victory, Mitaynes ran unopposed in the general election held on November 3, 2020, a reflection of the heavily Democratic leanings of her district. Her campaign was characterized by a strong focus on housing issues, which resonated with many constituents. She was sworn into office on January 1, 2021, marking the beginning of her legislative career. Throughout her campaign, Mitaynes garnered endorsements from various progressive organizations and notable figures, including the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, the Sunrise Movement, and prominent politicians such as State Senator Julia Salazar and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These endorsements underscored her alignment with progressive values and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.

Since taking office, Mitaynes has been an active participant in the New York State Assembly, where she has worked on various legislative initiatives. Her background as a tenant organizer has informed her approach to policy-making, particularly in relation to housing and tenant rights. She has been involved in efforts to strengthen tenant protections and address the housing crisis in New York City, advocating for policies that aim to provide relief to renters and improve housing stability.

Policy focus and district

Mitaynes's policy focus is heavily centered on housing issues, which she considers a critical aspect of social justice. Her personal experiences with eviction and housing instability have driven her commitment to advocating for stronger tenant protections and affordable housing solutions. During her campaign for the Assembly, she made housing a central theme, emphasizing the need for policies that would address the challenges faced by renters in her district and beyond.

One of the key aspects of her platform includes the support for canceling rent for both residential and commercial tenants, as well as advocating for the cancellation of mortgage payments for small landlords. These proposals reflect her understanding of the financial burdens that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on both tenants and small property owners, and her desire to find equitable solutions that address the needs of all parties involved.

In addition to her legislative work, Mitaynes has actively participated in civil disobedience actions to draw attention to housing issues. Notably, on August 19, 2021, she was arrested during a protest opposing the end of New York's statewide eviction moratorium. This action highlighted her commitment to tenant rights and her willingness to take bold steps to advocate for vulnerable populations. The moratorium was later extended, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by renters during the pandemic.

Furthermore, Mitaynes has been involved in supporting initiatives aimed at providing assistance to undocumented workers who were excluded from federal pandemic relief. In March and April 2021, she participated in a hunger strike advocating for an "excluded workers fund," which sought to provide financial support to those who did not qualify for federal assistance. This involvement underscores her commitment to social equity and her recognition of the diverse needs within her constituency.

As a representative of the 51st district, Mitaynes is tasked with addressing the unique challenges faced by her constituents, many of whom are part of immigrant communities and low-income households. Her legislative efforts reflect a deep understanding of the socio-economic dynamics within her district, and she continues to advocate for policies that promote housing stability, economic justice, and social equity. Through her work in the New York State Assembly, Mitaynes aims to be a voice for those who are often marginalized and to push for systemic changes that benefit all residents of her district.