NY State Senator Roxanne Persaud endorses Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin for a full term

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New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud announced her endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin for a full term March 20, 2022. Both Persaud and Benjamin are of Guyanese ancestry.

“This partnership will help ensure New Yorkers have safe, affordable neighborhoods to live in across New York state,” said a press release from Sen. Persaud’s office.

During her time in office, State Senator Persaud is credited with focusing on building safer communities, increasing affordable housing, and combating gun violence.

“Roxanne and I have a shared vision for this state focused on equity, inclusion, and diversity,” Lieutenant Governor  Benjamin is quoted saying in the press release. “We both stay true to our Guyanese roots, fighting to build a state where every resident feels accepted, supported, and represented. I’m thrilled by this endorsement and the chance to continue building a stronger state for New Yorkers.”

“I am proud to support the election of Brian Benjamin as Lieutenant Governor,” Persaud said. “Brian comes from a Guyanese and Jamaican immigrant family who worked to achieve the American Dream, and he wants the same for all. During his tenure as Senator, I served with Brian and saw his commitment to his community in particular and the state in general. As Lieutenant Governor, he continues to serve our state with the same passion, fighting to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers.”

According to her bio on the State Senate site, Persaud was elected to the State Senate in November 2015 after serving in the State Assembly. Currently, she serves as the chair of the Social Services Committee, member of the Children and Families, Cities 1, Disabilities, Labor and Transportation Committees, and Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention. She is also a member of the Women’s Caucus, Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic Asian Caucus and the New York State Bipartisan Pro-Choice Legislative Caucus

Before becoming a legislator, Roxanne’s career was in Higher Education Administration. In addition, she served as President of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18, and Commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission. Additionally, she was a member of the Community Action Board of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and Chairperson of the Neighborhood Advisory Board – District 18. She served on organizations highlighting domestic violence, cancer awareness, and other social and health issues.

She is a graduate of the NYPD Citizens Police Academy and the New York City Office of Emergency Management-Community Emergency Response Team.

Born in Guyana, Persaud who is of Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese descent according to Wikipedia, migrated to the United States with her parents and siblings. She is a graduate of Pace University from where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education Administration. She represents the 19th Senatorial District.