Make the Road Action New York backs Romero for Assembly
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Brian Romero, candidate for State Assembly District 34, was endorsed by immigration non-profit Make the Road New York this week. Courtesy of Romero’s campaign
By Ryan Schwach
Brian Romero, who is running to succeed his former boss in the State Assembly, was endorsed by immigration nonprofit Make the Road Action New York this week.
Make the Road Action, the political arm of the prominent immigrant organization based in the diverse and predominantly Hispanic Queens neighborhoods of Corona and Jackson Heights, is backing Romero in his campaign for the 34th Assembly District.
Romero is running to succeed Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, who is running for State Senate. Also running are Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate Aber Kawas, and local community board member Andreas Migias.
Make the Road said the endorsement came after an “in-depth, member-led process.”
“I am thrilled to support Brian Romero to represent people like me in Albany,” said Yimy B., a Queens resident and member of Make the Road Action. “For years, I have witnessed how Brian has tirelessly worked to fight for healthcare access, housing affordability, and ensure that every Queens resident can live and thrive in our neighborhood. As a queer person, it is essential for me to have someone who understands our neighborhood and the challenges we face. I know that Brian is ready to roll up his sleeves to stand up for our people.”
“I’m excited to join this people-powered campaign and go door to door to make sure my community votes for Brian Romero for Assembly,” they added.
Romero said in a statement he was honored by the endorsement.
“As the son of immigrants and an organizer, I’ve long admired the leadership, staff, and members who fight every day for dignity and justice,” he said. “Together, we’ve delivered tenant protections, expanded healthcare access for immigrant families, and made progress toward ensuring the rich pay their fair share. I’m proud to stand with Make the Road Action as we continue building a Queens where all Latine, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ families are safe, welcomed, and able to thrive.”
Romero, a son of Colombian-immigrants, is a progressive activist and member of the DSA.
He previously served as González-Rojas’ chief of staff, and currently serves in that role for State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.
He already has the support of his former boss, Councilmember Julie Won, State Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and former Councilmember Daniel Dromm.
Kawas, also a DSA member, received that organization’s endorsement and is also rumored to have the support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The DSA, while growing in power and influence across the city, does not have as strong a hold on the electorate in District 34 as it does in Mamdani’s old Assembly District 36, where the organization has endorsed Diana Moreno.
Romero also sought out the coveted DSA endorsement, but told the group that he would run with or without their backing.
Make the Road Action added that the upcoming primaries “offer a unique opportunity to elect progressive candidates at the state level.”
“It is urgent that immigrant and working-class communities are represented by strong state leadership that will stand up to federal attacks, and deliver on Mayor Mamdani’s affordability agenda,” the organization said. MRA is planning a robust field program this cycle to educate voters about Brian, his platform, and his track record of fighting for working-class and immigrant communities.”
