A recording of the event is available on the Senator’s YouTube channel here.

QUEENS, NY – On Monday, November 17, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (SD59) hosted her first State of the District, “Fighting for Our Future,” bringing together more than a hundred constituents, community leaders and partners to discuss her work in the district and in Albany.

She outlined an ambitious legislative agenda focused on strengthening democracy, protecting vulnerable communities, and advancing economic and climate justice. Speaking before a packed auditorium of neighbors, advocates, and community leaders at the CUNY School of Law, Senator Gonzalez reaffirmed her commitment to building a New York that puts working families first.

As Chair of the Senate Committees on Elections and Internet & Technology, Senator Gonzalez emphasized the urgent need to confront the growing threat of fascism nationwide, protect democracy, safeguard civil rights, and protect working-class New Yorkers while advancing innovation.

Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Our State of the District was about reaffirming who we fight for and what kind of future we’re building together – one where our democracy is protected from rising fascism, our climate and communities are defended, and every New Yorker has access to care, dignity, and opportunity. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but even more determined to keep delivering for our neighbors, from passing meaningful legislation in Albany to helping hundreds of constituents with casework to navigate the challenges they face every day.”

Her office reported the following accomplishments:

• 49 bills introduced
• 209 bills co-sponsored
• 19 bills passed in the 2025 legislative session
• 700+ constituent service cases closed
• $8 million distributed to community organizations in the district

These achievements reflect her continued effort to deliver both statewide legislative impact and responsive, hands-on support for District 59 residents.

Throughout her address, Senator Gonzalez reiterated that the district’s needs are at the heart of her work in Albany, and both her district and legislative priorities reinforce affordability, quality of life, and democracy.

She outlined major policy areas she is prioritizing in the year ahead, including:

• Climate justice and resiliency, with a focus on the waterfront and flood-proof infrastructure
• Immigrant rights, including protections for those targeted by the current federal administration
• Healthcare access, such as expanding gender-affirming care and protecting reproductive health care
• Food security and community-based food distribution
• Tax fairness, including legislation to tax the ultra-wealthy and reinvest in public services
• Digital equity and technological accountability, ensuring the responsible adoption and use of AI

Senator Gonzalez also highlighted the work of her district office, which helped residents navigate unemployment claims, secure housing support, resolve public benefits issues, and more.

“My office’s goal is to make sure that every constituent who interacts with our office leaves with more faith in the work our government does and our collective power to effect change,” said Senator Gonzalez. 

Residents are encouraged to contact the Senator’s office for assistance with unemployment claims, tenant issues, benefits navigation, small business concerns, and other state-related matters.

Senate District 59 includes the neighborhoods of Astoria and Long Island City in Queens.