Gabriella Romero

Gabriella Romero was born in Albany, New York. She graduated from Shaker High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Union College in 2014 and graduated from Albany Law School. Her career experience includes working as a public defender.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gabriella Romero is the first Latina elected to represent Albany's 6th Ward and is fighting for good-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods, a sustainable environment, affordable housing, strong education, and healthcare for all.

Gabriella Romero is a public defender - an unapologetic fighter, a thoughtful advocate, and a hard worker. Her involvement in political life was a natural extension of her desire to make systemic change. As Gabriella witnessed the effects of a dire housing crisis and the cyclic divestment in education and healthcare, she again felt a push to deliver for her community, but this time on the state level. She is running because New York State should invest more in people-centered policies.

Since entering public service, Gabriella has advocated strongly on the issues of tenants' rights, environmental conservation, youth empowerment, access to nutritious food, and reimagining criminal justice and community safety.

On the Common Council, Gabriella Romero has:

fought for a right-to-counsel program for tenants facing eviction in housing court

established a first-of-its-kind street outreach program made up of social workers and healthcare providers

established an open code violation database

codified the rela

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Gabriella Romero’s parents instilled in her a commitment to public service, dedication to the labor movement and to labor solidarity, and are themselves examples of individuals who are willing to work hard for themselves, their family, and for the community. Gabriella understands the value of good, family-sustaining, union jobs — these jobs and their benefits helped raise Gabriella and her siblling — the importance of solidarity, and knowing what we can accomplish when working people and families are organized together for a better future. Gabriella Romero is an unapologetic fighter and a tireless advocate for working people, families, and communities, and these principles drive her to this day.Gabriella Romero is proud of the work she has done with her colleagues on the Albany Common Council, and is ready to bring her commitment to people-focused policy and building a better society for future generations beyond the 6th Ward of Albany.

The people of the 109th deserve an Assembly Member who knows how to stand up for justice and equity, is motivated by a core belief that people are more important than corporate profit, and is unafraid to speak out and organize for her community. When elected, Gabriella Romero will represent and advocate tirelessly for the people of Albany, Guilderland, and New Scotland.Gabriella Romero is the only attorney, and public defender running for NY’s 109th Assembly District. She has dedicated her law career to public service and her experiences in the courtroom, and with clients and their families, have given her a unique perspective on our criminal justice system and beyond. As a public defender, Gabriella has experience putting law into practice. Her work has helped develop a consistent, value-committed, and empathetic approach, that she will bring to the NYS Legislature. Gabriella Romero believes the government should work for all of us, not just the wealthy or well-connected.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a representative of AD 109, Gabriella Romero will fight for the issues that matter most to our community: better access to affordable housing, healthcare, child care, education, and a more holistic view when discussing public safety. She will also address the need for safer communities by holding the line on the existing reforms to our criminal legal system and advocating for [further] criminal justice reform. The priorities for constituents will be addressed through Gabriella's willingness to work with Assembly leadership, collaboration with respective committee chairs, and her established relationships with human rights-centered organizations.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My story starts with my parents, who moved to Albany from their childhood homes in the Bronx (Rene) and Manhattan (Doris) to pursue a better life for their future children. Before them, their parents came from Puerto Rico to NYC. My parents were both proud and active members of PEF throughout their working life (both are now retired). My earliest memories are of the annual PEF picnics, accompanying my parents to union meetings, and attending legislative events at the Capitol fighting against budget cuts. I am proud to have a supportive family that understands the importance of giving back.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Working with others is essential to effective government. All of my achievements have been done through deep collaboration with other elected officials and constituents.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Gabriella Romero is endorsed by a coalition of organizations including Working Families Party, UAW, Albany County Young Democrats, Citizen Action, New York State Young Democrats, Tenants PAC, Eleanor’s Legacy, Open NY, Up Next NY, Run for Something, and more.

What committees interest you?

Gabriella believes numerous committees would allow her to use her particular experience and knowledge to create and move progressive legislation and block regressive proposals. These include Codes and Judiciary (based on years of experience as a public defender and the knowledge this has provided to regarding the criminal legal system and the court system); Children & Families (similarly, her work has provided insight into how young people and families struggle and face obstacles in our communities); Housing (a majority of the constituents of the 109th are tenants, Gabriella has been actively engaged in protecting tenants' rights on a local level and is ready to continue this fight on the state level); and Mental Health (again, due to her work as a public defender and the specific innovative initiatives).

Gabriella Romero did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.