George Alvarez (politician)
George Alvarez is an American politician who currently represents the 78th District of the New York State Assembly as a Democrat.[1]
George Alvarez | |
|---|---|
 Assembly Portrait | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 78th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jose Rivera |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | The Bronx, New York City, New York |
| Website | assembly |
Early life
Alvarez was born in the Dominican Republic with an Afro-Caribbean background. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science in the Dominican Republic before earning a master's degree in Logistics in Madrid, Spain. Raised in a single parent household, his family moved to the Bronx, where Alvarez was a community leader.[1]
Political career
Alvarez started his political career by serving as a member of Community board 1.[1] He also served as the vice-president of the Bronx Democratic Party.[2] Alvarez challenged four decade incumbent Jose Rivera in the primary for the 78th District. Although Rivera was the heavy favorite to win the election, in no small part due to the PACs supporting him, Alvarez defeated the Assemblyman with 28% of the vote to his 22%.[3][4] An election lawyer, Aaron Foldenauer, accused Alvarez of illegally harvesting signatures to have appeared on the ballot in the first place.[5]
Alvarez has been a vocal supporter of the New York Clean Slate Act which, if passed, will seal the records of some convicts upon their release from prison, in an effort to increase their integration into society, lower re-offending rates, and allow them to maintain stable jobs.[6]
References
- "George Alvarez". New York State Assembly. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- Aponte, Claudia Irizarry; Joseph, George. "Socialists and Big Business Both Lose Bids to Sway State Assembly Elections". The City. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- Benitez, Juan Manuel. "Assemblyman José Rivera ends a 40-year career in elected office". NY1. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- Sequeira, Robbie. "Longtime incumbent José Rivera 'shocked' by George Alvarez for AD 78 seat in lopsided loss". politicsny.com. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- Bragg, Chris; Ward, Rebekah F. "Longshot Assembly candidates faced a mogul's millions". Times Union. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- Reisman, Nick. "Criminal record sealing measure gains backing in New York Assembly". NY1. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
