Jessica Ramos

Jessica Ramos is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 13th District. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, she has held her position since 2019. Ramos's district encompasses several neighborhoods in Queens, including Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. In addition to her legislative duties, she has also been a candidate for the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City in 2025, showcasing her ongoing engagement in local politics.

Early life and career

Jessica Ramos was born on June 27, 1985, at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York City. She was raised in Astoria, a neighborhood known for its diverse community. As the daughter of Colombian immigrants, Ramos's upbringing was shaped by her family's experiences and the challenges they faced. Her mother worked as a seamstress, while her father had a significant encounter with immigration enforcement in the early 1980s, which involved his detention during an immigration raid. This incident had a lasting impact on Ramos, influencing her understanding of civic issues and the immigrant experience.

Ramos's early exposure to civic life came through her involvement with local Colombian immigrant community groups. She engaged with the works of Colombian activists during her school years, fostering a sense of social responsibility and community engagement. Her educational journey began at the Academy of American Studies, where she completed her high school education. Following this, she attended Hofstra University but chose to leave her studies to pursue a career in public service. This decision led her to work in the office of then-New York City Council Member Hiram Monserrate, a figure she later distanced herself from due to his controversial legacy.

Before entering elected office, Ramos held various roles in public service and advocacy. She worked in New York City Hall, where she initially served as a communications adviser. Eventually, she became the director of Latino media from April 2016 to December 2017, a position that made her the city's primary spokesperson for the Latinx community and a liaison to Spanish-language media. Her career also included a role as communications director for Build Up NYC, an organization advocating for construction and maintenance workers. Additionally, she contributed her communications skills to labor organizations, including a local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and a regional branch of the Service Employees International Union.

Ramos's experiences in her early adulthood, including encounters with law enforcement, shaped her perspectives on social justice and the treatment of marginalized communities. She has expressed that these formative experiences contributed to her understanding of societal issues and the importance of advocating for those often overlooked.

Legislative service

In January 2018, Ramos announced her candidacy for the New York State Senate, seeking to represent District 13. Her campaign focused on progressive values, emphasizing the rights of immigrants and women, as well as the need to unseat an incumbent who had previously aligned with Republican interests. Ramos successfully defeated incumbent Jose Peralta in the Democratic primary and subsequently won the general election, running on both the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. Her campaign received endorsements from prominent figures, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ramos has been re-elected multiple times since her initial victory. In 2020, she faced Diana S. Sanchez in the Democratic primary and Jesus Gonzalez in the general election, both of which she won. In 2022, she was unopposed in the general election, and she continued to serve in her role through 2024. As of early 2026, Ramos is preparing for another re-election campaign, facing challengers within her party, including Jessica González-Rojas and Hiram Monserrate.

Throughout her tenure in the Senate, Ramos has held several important committee positions. She serves as the chair of the Committee on Labor, a role she assumed upon entering the Senate. Additionally, she is a member of various committees, including the Budget and Revenue Committee, Cannabis Committee, and the Judiciary Committee, among others. Her involvement in these committees has allowed her to influence a wide range of legislative issues.

Ramos has sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation during her time in office. One notable achievement is the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act, which she helped pass in 2019, granting farmworkers in New York the right to overtime pay and unemployment benefits. Her advocacy also played a crucial role in establishing the Excluded Workers Fund, which provided financial assistance to workers who were not eligible for COVID-19 pandemic relief. In early 2021, she and her colleagues advocated for the inclusion of delivery workers in the COVID-19 vaccination eligibility list.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramos sponsored legislation to support bars and restaurants that adapted to new delivery models. This legislation, passed in 2021 and 2022, aimed to ease retail permitting for establishments offering to-go cocktails. Her legislative efforts also extended to housing issues, where she expressed concerns about proposals from Governor Kathy Hochul that did not receive full support from local labor unions. Ramos has been a vocal advocate for tenant protections, including "good cause eviction" measures.

In 2023, Ramos's efforts culminated in the inclusion of her legislation to raise the statewide minimum wage in New York's budget. She successfully advocated for a system that would tie the minimum wage to inflation, ensuring that it adjusts annually to reflect the cost of living. As chair of the labor committee, she has contributed to various worker protection laws, including paid sick leave for domestic workers. As of early 2026, Ramos is also advocating for changes to the New York State and Local Retirement System pension tier system to enhance benefits for workers.

Policy focus and district

Ramos's policy focus reflects her commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly immigrants, workers, and tenants. Her legislative initiatives often center around labor rights, social justice, and economic equity. By championing the rights of farmworkers and supporting legislation that addresses the needs of workers in various industries, she has positioned herself as a strong advocate for labor rights in New York.

Her district, which includes diverse neighborhoods in Queens, has a significant immigrant population, and Ramos's background as a daughter of Colombian immigrants informs her approach to policy-making. She has consistently sought to address the unique challenges faced by her constituents, advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity and social equity.

Ramos's engagement with her community extends beyond her legislative role. She has been involved in local civic activities and has served on the Queens Community Board 3, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots involvement. Her experiences and connections within her district have shaped her understanding of the issues facing her constituents, allowing her to advocate effectively on their behalf.

As she prepares for the upcoming election cycle, Ramos's focus on labor rights, tenant protections, and immigrant advocacy remains central to her legislative agenda. Her ongoing commitment to her constituents and her active participation in local and state politics reflect her dedication to public service and community engagement.