Stefani Zinerman

Stefani Zinerman is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 56th district, which encompasses Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights in Brooklyn, New York. A member of the Democratic Party, Zinerman has focused her legislative efforts on community health, education equity, and various social justice issues. She has a background in community service and local politics, having previously worked as a chief of staff for another local politician before her election to the Assembly.

Early life and career

Stefani Zinerman was born on October 30, 1964, and grew up in Downtown Brooklyn, specifically in Gowanus public housing. Her family has roots in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where her parents lived in Clinton Hill before moving to Gowanus through the New York City Housing Authority. Zinerman attributes her interest in politics to the encouragement she received from her parents, who instilled in her the values of community engagement and civic responsibility.

Zinerman pursued her education in business management at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Following her studies, she entered the workforce, gaining experience in the banking industry and beverage distribution. Her career also included a significant role as a senior manager for a New York City adult literacy program, where she contributed to educational initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates among adults in the community.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Zinerman has been active in various community organizations. She served as a pastor and was involved with the Brooklyn NAACP, where she worked on issues affecting the African American community. Furthermore, she chaired Age-Friendly, a program dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents in her community, demonstrating her commitment to social issues and community development.

Legislative service

Zinerman's entry into politics was catalyzed by a local issue that resonated with her community. After New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defunded the Begin Education/Employment Gain Independence Now (BEGIN) program, she became actively involved in local politics. Her political engagement deepened when she volunteered for the Obama For America campaign, where she took on the role of neighborhood volunteer leader for Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Her political career advanced when she became the petition and campaign manager for Robert E. Cornegy in 2012. Following Cornegy's election, she served as his chief of staff, focusing on the needs of the African American community in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. During her tenure, she was part of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, which addressed critical issues such as juvenile criminal justice reform and the classification of hate crimes.

Zinerman announced her candidacy for the New York State Assembly after Tremaine Wright decided not to seek reelection in the 56th Assembly District, opting instead to run for State Senate. With the endorsement of Wright, Zinerman won the Democratic primary and subsequently ran unopposed in the November 2020 election, securing her position in the Assembly.

In the Assembly, Zinerman is a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. Her legislative priorities include addressing local concerns and enhancing constituent engagement. She has advocated for community health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of healthy aging, access to nutritious food, and the establishment of school-based health centers. Additionally, she has called for improved staffing standards for nurses and sought state aid for basic school funding through the Campaign for Fiscal Equity.

Zinerman's approach to public safety includes advocating for reduced police contact and promoting a community policing model that invests in education and social services. Her legislative agenda has been influenced by national events, including the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, which have underscored the need for reform in policing practices.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 56th district, Zinerman has centered her policy focus on issues that directly impact her constituents. Her platform emphasizes local concerns, particularly in the areas of health and education. She has championed community-based health initiatives, advocating for programs that support healthy aging and access to healthy food options. Zinerman has also pushed for the establishment of more school-based health centers, recognizing the critical role that health services play in the educational environment.

In addition to health initiatives, Zinerman has been vocal about the need for educational equity. She supports efforts to secure adequate state funding for schools, aiming to address disparities in educational resources and opportunities. Her advocacy for community-supported agriculture reflects her commitment to ensuring that residents have access to fresh, healthy food, which is essential for overall well-being.

Zinerman's legislative work has also included a focus on public safety and criminal justice reform. She has expressed a desire to reduce the reliance on police in community interactions, advocating for a model that prioritizes education and social services. This approach aligns with her broader vision of creating safer communities through investment in social programs rather than punitive measures.

In the lead-up to the 2024 primary election, Zinerman faced a challenge from Eon Tyrell Huntley, a candidate from the Democratic Socialists of America. The race was characterized by significant attention to housing issues, with contrasting views on how to address gentrification and community displacement. Zinerman's supporters highlighted her long-standing ties to the community, while Huntley criticized her connections to real estate interests. The primary was marked by substantial financial backing for both candidates, reflecting the competitive nature of the race.

Zinerman successfully won the primary, continuing her legislative service in the Assembly. Looking ahead, she is expected to face another primary challenge from Huntley in 2026, indicating that her political career will continue to evolve in response to the changing dynamics within her district and the broader political landscape.