Anna Kaplan

Anna Kaplan is a former member of the New York State Senate, representing the 7th State Senate district from 2018 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, she is notable for being the first Iranian-American elected to any of New York State's legislative chambers and the first former political refugee to serve in the New York State Senate. Kaplan's journey from a Jewish child refugee fleeing Iran to a state legislator exemplifies her commitment to public service and advocacy.

Early life and career

Anna Kaplan was born Monahemi in Tabriz, Iran, into an Iranian Jewish family during a time when the Jewish population in the country was approximately 80,000. Raised in Tehran, her father worked as a carpet dealer, and Kaplan attended a Jewish day school, where she received her early education. Her family claims lineage tracing back to the Babylonian Exile of Jews from Jerusalem in 597 BCE, highlighting a deep historical connection to their heritage.

The political landscape in Iran changed dramatically with the 1979 Islamic Revolution, prompting Kaplan's parents to send her to the United States for her safety when she was just 13 years old. This decision was made on the advice of their rabbi, and Kaplan arrived in the U.S. as an unaccompanied child refugee. She was initially taken in by the Lubavitch community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where she spent several months before being placed with a foster family in Chicago, Illinois. During her time in Chicago, Kaplan completed high school and learned English, which was her fourth language, following Aramaic, Farsi, and Hebrew.

After more than two years, Kaplan's parents were able to obtain U.S. visas and reunite with her in Chicago. Following their reunion, the family moved to Queens, New York, and later to Great Neck, New York, which is located within the Town of North Hempstead. Eventually, they were granted political asylum in the United States, allowing them to settle more permanently in their new home.

Kaplan pursued higher education at the Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1985. She continued her academic journey at the Cardozo School of Law in New York City, obtaining her Juris Doctor degree in 1991. Following her graduation, Kaplan worked as a lawyer for several years, gaining experience in the legal field.

Legislative service

Kaplan's political career began in earnest when she was elected as a trustee of the Great Neck Public Library Board of Trustees, serving from 2005 to 2009. She then held a position on the North Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, she was elected to the Town of North Hempstead Board, where she served two terms, having been re-elected in 2015 with a significant majority of the vote.

In January 2016, Kaplan announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent New York's 3rd congressional district, which was being vacated by retiring Congressman Steve Israel. However, she was defeated in the Democratic primary by Tom Suozzi, who went on to win the general election.

Kaplan's significant political breakthrough came in 2018 when she announced her candidacy for the New York State Senate's 7th District. Her campaign was launched with the support of prominent figures, including Nassau County Democratic Party Chairman Jay S. Jacobs and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Kaplan's candidacy was notable for being the first time an Iranian-American sought election to the New York State Senate.

On August 1, 2018, Kaplan became the first candidate for New York State office to receive an endorsement from former President Barack Obama. She also garnered support from various organizations, including the National Organization for Women, the New York State United Teachers, and the AFL-CIO of New York, among others. On November 6, 2018, she won the election against incumbent Republican Senator Elaine Phillips, securing 55% of the vote. This victory was part of a broader trend in which many Democrats defeated Republican incumbents, leading to a shift in control of the New York Senate.

Kaplan served in the New York State Senate from 2018 until 2022, during which time she was part of a group known as the "Long Island Six," a coalition of six Democratic senators who represented Long Island and often voted together on various issues. Her tenure was marked by her status as a first-time senator, and she was highlighted in a New York Times article that focused on new members of the state senate.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Kaplan represented New York's 7th Senate district, which encompasses parts of Long Island, including the North Shore and central regions of Western Nassau County. Her legislative priorities and policy focus included issues pertinent to her constituents, reflecting the diverse needs of the communities she served.

Kaplan's background as a political refugee informed her perspectives on various social justice issues, and she was an advocate for policies that supported immigrant rights and community welfare. Throughout her time in office, she worked to address concerns related to education, healthcare, and public safety, striving to improve the quality of life for residents in her district.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Kaplan was involved in various community initiatives and outreach programs aimed at fostering engagement among her constituents. Her unique experiences as an immigrant and a former political refugee shaped her approach to governance and her commitment to public service.

Kaplan's tenure in the New York State Senate concluded in 2022, marking the end of her time in elected office. Her journey from a child refugee to a state legislator serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication to serving her community. Through her work, she has left a lasting impact on the political landscape of New York and has paved the way for future generations of leaders from diverse backgrounds.