Hiram Monserrate

Hiram Monserrate was born in New York, New York. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1985 to 1990. Monserrate earned a high school diploma from Jamaica High School, a bachelor's degree from the City University of New York, Queens College in 1993, and an associate degree from Queensborough Community College in 1995. His career experience includes working in law enforcement and as a politician.[1][2]

Hiram Monserrate did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Hiram Monserrate did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A Devoted Family Man and Community Advocate

Hiram Monserrate is not just a dedicated public servant; he is a husband, son, father, and brother committed to creating safer streets and a secure community for all. With an intimate knowledge of every inch of the 35th district, Hiram's journey began as a member of the NYPD at the age of 21, with one of his initial assignments being foot patrol on 108th Street. Since then, he has steadfastly prioritized public safety, understanding its paramount importance to our community.

In 2001, Hiram made history by becoming the first Latino elected to public office in Queens. His honor extended to representing Rego Park, Corona, East Elmhurst, and Elmhurst in the New York City Council.

Hiram's commitment to community engagement is deeply rooted in his identity as a life-long Queens resident. Recognizing the diversity that defines our community, he consistently focuses on addressing the issues that matter most to the people he serves. With a career in public service spanning decades, Hiram has proven time and again that his dedication to the community is unwavering.

As a champion of the community, Hiram's campaign is centered on ensuring that the voices of NY-35 are not just heard but truly listened to. In these challenging times, he brings experienced leadership and genuine community engagement to the forefront, aiming to address the real issues facing our district and forge a path toward a better future.

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?

Always Working For Our Community

As an elected official and an activist, Hiram has been fighting for Queens residents from the beginning.Crime still is a major issue leading our communities to be less safe. The garbage cans are overflowing with trash.

Inflation is up, property taxes are up, utility bills are skyrocketing and Albany politicians focus on failed policies. We don't need more of the same.

I live in this community. My wife and I are raising our son here. I served 12 years as a police officer, and almost 10 years in government, I know how to keep our community safe. I know what our community needs and am prepared to ensure safe streets, clean streets and a better community for all.Shelters are being concentrated in our District. Projects that our community does not want like an Airtrain and massive soccer stadiums should be stopped for good.

Yet community forums, town halls, and discussions have been far and few. Our community has been ignored and elected have failed to engage real concerns.

I’m on a mission to keep our community safe. I know how to do it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Voting Rights, park revitalization, funding libraries, senior centers, education, parking meters, veteran centers, living standards, immigration rights, discrimination, equitable shelters, affordable housing, drug reform, mental health, tax reform, education, public safety, renters & landlords.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy of public service in defense of the people

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Hiram began career in public service at 17 years old by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where he learned discipline and focus early. During his service, he received the National Defense Ribbon and the Good Conduct Meda

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It is a guide that we should use to strive in being better human beings. the bible has many great life lessons is also extremely valuable to the reader from a historical perspective.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

God turned it around.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education

Mass Transit

Affordable Housing

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, since understanding the legislative process and policies help craft and pass legislation properly.

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

Yes, having extensive networks and relationship can be invaluable in building coalitions, garnering support for legislative initiatives, and collaborating across party lines to achieve common goals.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency holds immense significance as it motivates governments to embrace prudent fiscal policies and practices, fostering trust between governance entities and citizens. By shedding light on financial matters, it serves to uncover and discourage corrupt activities. Additionally, transparency facilitates improved planning, evaluation, and refinement of public services and programs, ensuring their optimal implementation for the benefit of society.

Hiram Monserrate did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased Jun 9, 2022

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A Husband, Son, Father, & Brother dedicated to advocating for safer streets and a safer community.

Hiram Monserrate knows every inch of the 35th district and how to keep us safe. He became a member of the NYPD at 21, and one of his first assignments was foot patrol on 108th Street. Since then, he has understood that our public safety is paramount.

Hiram made history in 2001 when he became the first Latino elected to public office in Queens, having the honor of representing Regal Park, Corona, East Elmhurst and Elmhurst in the New York City Council.

Hiram values community engagement. As a life-long Queens resident, he knows how diverse we are. He always focuses on issues affecting the community first, and his life-long career in public service, which spans decades, attests to that. He understands what we need.

Hiram’s campaign is about ensuring that NY-35 voices are heard. Through active leadership and community engagement, Hiram will ensure that the real issues facing our district during today’s difficult times are addressed.

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?

For a Safer CommunityFor a Cleaner CommunityAn Safe MTA that Works!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

PUBLIC SAFETY

HEALTHCARE

MTA

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

United States Marines served 6 years in total active duty and reserves

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There should be a cooperative but also adversarial relationship that mandates creating real consensus.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Public Safety

Healtcare

Education

The Very High cost of living and taxes in NYS

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

All lifetime experience is valuable for legislators so as to bring different perspectives. Being stagnant in a position too long stiffles progress.

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

Yes to create consensus and galvanize support for different legislative measures.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Complete non-partisan process.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. I want to represent my community at the local level and deal with the lack of Public Safety, Sanitation, Healthcare and to improve the MTA

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Often i hear how crime has impacted the lives of my neighbors. In NYS not enough is being done to keep our society safe.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is always an essential part of the legislative process but it should never be allowed to make our society less safe.

Hiram Monserrate did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

In the New York Campaign Finance Board's voter guide, Monserrate listed his top three issues as:

Creating Affordable Housing

A New Willets Point Plan

Ease Overcrowded Schools[9]

—Hiram Monserrate[10]