Alessandra Biaggi

Biaggi was born in Mount Vernon, New York, and is Italian-American.{{Cite web|url=https://riverdalepress.com/stories/insurgent-candidate-learned-politics-at-the-family-table,66653|title=Insurgent candidate learned politics at the family table|date=September 9, 2018|work= The Riverdale Press|author=Zak Kastro}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alessandra-biaggi/senator-biaggi-issues-statement-closure-mount-vernon|title=Senator Biaggi issues statement on the Closure of Mount Vernon Hospital|date=October 25, 2019|website=NY State Senate|author=Alessandra Biaggi|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108194417/https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alessandra-biaggi/senator-biaggi-issues-statement-closure-mount-vernon|url-status=dead}} Her great-grandparents had immigrated to the United States from Italy, and she is the fourth generation of her family to live in her district.{{Cite web|url=http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2018/11/01/2018-general-election-endorsements/|title=2018 General Election Endorsements|date=November 1, 2018|website=New York Amsterdam News}}{{Cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nys-senator-alessandra-biaggi-on-her-italian-immigrant/id1241712076?i=1000429582797|title=Immigration MIC: NYS Senator Alessandra Biaggi on her Italian immigrant roots & the underdog story to the NYS Senate! on Apple Podcasts|website=Apple Podcasts}} Biaggi's grandfather, Mario Biaggi, served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York from 1969 to 1988.{{cite web|url=http://riverdalepress.com/stories/insurgent-candidate-learned-politics-at-the-family-table,66653|title=Insurgent candidate learned politics at the family table |work=The Riverdale Press|date=September 9, 2018 |accessdate=September 14, 2018}} She grew up first in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and when she was eight years old she moved with her family to Pelham, New York.{{Cite web|url=https://alessandrabiaggi.com/meet-senator-biaggi/|title=Meet Senator Biaggi|website=Alessandra Biaggi|access-date=December 6, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206093626/https://alessandrabiaggi.com/meet-senator-biaggi/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/new-york/2019/06/26/alessandra-biaggi-senator/3697082002/|title=Alessandra Biaggi: A losing streak, then unseating a political kingpin|first=Swapna Venugopal|last=Ramaswamy|website=The Journal News|date=July 15, 2019}} When she was a child, she was sexually abused for over a year.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/08/14/four-new-york-lawmakers-open-up-about-childhood-sexual-abuse/|title=Four New York lawmakers open up about childhood sexual abuse|work=The New York Post|author=Bernadette Hogan|date=August 14, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://bronx.news12.com/state-sen-biaggi-discusses-personal-details-including-time-spent-working-with-gov-cuomo|title=State Sen. Biaggi shares painful chapter in childhood involving underage sex abuse|date=August 19, 2021|website=News 12 The Bronx}}

Biaggi graduated from Pelham Memorial High School ('04), where Biaggi was a cheerleader.{{Cite web|date=September 13, 2018|title=Biaggi upsets state Sen. Klein in 34th District primary|url=https://westchester.news12.com/alessandra-biaggi-upsets-state-sen-jeff-klein-39089408|website=News 12 - Westchester}} After attending Loyola College, Biaggi transferred to and ultimately graduated from New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2008.{{Cite web|url=http://www.p2016.org/clinton/clintonorggen.html|title=Hillary for America Organization-2016 General Election|author= Eric M. Appleman|publisher=Democracy in Action}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.yesandyes.org/2017/01/true-story-i-worked-for-hillary.html|author=Alessandra Biaggi|title=True Story: I Worked For Hillary |date=January 23, 2017|work=Yes and Yes}}Alessandra Biaggi (May 9, 2019). [https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2019/may/nyu-alumni-advice-to-the-class-of-2019.html "When I Graduated, I Wish I Had Known...; Accomplished NYU alumni offer advice to the Class of 2019,"] New York University.

Biaggi then first attended St. John's University School of Law. She subsequently transferred to and graduated from Fordham Law School in 2012, where she was a member of the Fordham Law Review. She was the first woman from her family to graduate from law school.{{Cite web|url=https://www.citizensunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SD-34-Alessandra-Biaggi-Citizens-Union-Candidate-Questionnaire-2018.pdf|author=Alessandra Biaggi|date=2018 |title=Candidate Questionnaire; Local Candidates Committee; NYS Legislative Elections 2018|publisher=Citizens Union of the City of New York}}Alessandra Biaggi (May 15, 2018). [https://twitter.com/biaggi4ny/status/996579311984562176?lang=en "my alma mater, Pelham Memorial High School ..."], Twitter.{{Cite web|url=https://thepelmelpmhs.com/1953/news/pelham-alumna-alessandra-biaggi-secures-nomination-for-state-senate/|title=Pelham Alumna Alessandra Biaggi Secures Nomination for State Senate|first=Zach |last=Leonard, Sr.|date=October 22, 2018|work=The Pel Mel}}Tom Sinclair (Fall 2019). [https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/publications/alumni-magazine/fall-2019/profiles/Alessandra-Biaggi.html "Alessandra Biaggi (Steinhardt ’08); A New York State Senator,"] New York University. In 2014, she attended the Women's Campaign School at Yale University.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=408956|title= Candidate - Alessandra Biaggi|website=Our Campaigns}}

Biaggi interned in the office of U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley after college, and while in law school with the Brooklyn District Attorney Rackets Bureau and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York Public Corruption and Appellate Bureaus. She then worked from 2014 to 2015 at her first job as a lawyer, as Assistant General Counsel for New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Office of Storm Recovery.{{Cite web|title=Homepage — Arena|url=https://arena.run/|access-date=2020-06-09|website=arena.run|language=en-US}}

From May 2015 to December 2016, during the campaign for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Biaggi served as Deputy National Operations Director for the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign. She oversaw a staff of 200, and a budget of $500 million. She said: "Everything was urgent in the moment. It was total chaos and I loved it. We played very hard, and it was very hard to lose."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/27/fashion/weddings/team-players-in-politics-and-love.html|title=Team Players in Politics and Love|first=Rosalie R.|last=Radomsky|date=July 27, 2019|work=The New York Times}}

From April to December 2017, Biaggi served as counsel in Governor Cuomo's Counsel's Office, and as a member of the governor's executive clemency team.{{Cite web|url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/cuomo-under-fire/sen-biaggi-working-under-cuomo-a-dark-moment-in-my-life-that-led-to-depression-anxiety/|title=Sen. Biaggi: Working for Cuomo led to depression, anxiety|date=March 16, 2021}} She also created the Take Action Guide for Activism.{{cite web |title=Rituals of Democracy - Alessandra Biaggi: Guide |url=https://sites.google.com/view/ritualsofdemocracy/alessandra-biaggi-guide |website= |accessdate=12 February 2019}}

Biaggi served as chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Internal Governance.

Combating sexual abuse was one of Biaggi's policy issues.{{Cite web|url=https://riverdalepress.com/stories/biaggi-drinking-or-no-rape-is-still-rape,74764|title=Biaggi: Drinking or no, rape is still rape: Legislation aims to better protect sexual abuse victims 'voluntarily intoxicated'|website=The Riverdale Press|author=Ethan Stark-Miller|date=June 6, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://riverdalepress.com/stories/victories-in-hand-biaggi-is-ready-for-more,72079|title=Victories in hand, Biaggi is ready for more|website=The Riverdale Press|author= Kirstyn Brendlen|date=June 20, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/06/21/new-york-sexual-harassment-legislation/|title=The Sexual Harassment Bills Passed in New York Are the Structural #MeToo Victories We Need|first=Natasha|last=Lennard|date=June 21, 2019|work=The Intercept}} She led the first public hearings in the New York State Senate on workplace sexual harassment in 27 years, and fought for tougher sexual harassment laws. Susan Kang, Associate Professor of political science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said: "She is definitely making a name for herself as someone who is an advocate for victims of sexual violence."

Biaggi also focused on institutional reform of Congress, of the Supreme Court, and institutions. Specifically, Biaggi also focused on banning trading stocks among members.{{Cite journal |last=Lavery |first=Matthew A. |date=2004 |title=Vox Populi? |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5840/ijap20041815 |journal=International Journal of Applied Philosophy |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=53–68 |doi=10.5840/ijap20041815 |issn=0739-098X}}

{{quote box|width=22em|bgcolor=|align=right|quote="I'm not going to wait for somebody to anoint me or choose me. I have got to step up."{{Cite book |last=Marianna Schnall|date=2019 |title=Dare to Be You; Inspirational Advice for Girls on Finding Your Voice, Leading Fearlessly, and Making a Difference |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l5KQDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22alessandra+biaggi%22&pg=PA163|publisher=Tiller Press|isbn=9781982133504}}|source=— Biaggi}}

Biaggi ran in 2018 in the primary for the Democratic nomination for New York State Senate in District 34. She ran against powerful longtime incumbent Jeffrey D. Klein, the number two Democrat in the NY Senate and the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference. Klein had held the seat for 14 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/nyregion/idc-senate-democrats.html|title=Rivals of Democratic Renegades Pick Up Endorsements and Momentum|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|date=July 11, 2018|work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/11/nyregion/alessandra-biaggi-kevin-parker-senate.html|title=A Shouting Match, Nasty Personal Attacks and a Growing Rift Among N.Y. Democrats|first=Vivian|last=Wang|date=April 11, 2019|work=The New York Times}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pelhamplus.com/article_de98e9c6-0070-11e8-a1c2-d3638438c117.html|title=Pelhamite Alessandra Biaggi Challenging State Sen. Jeff Klein for Democratic Nomination|work=The Pelham Plus|accessdate=January 24, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Klein outspent Biaggi by a rate of 9-to-1, spending $2.7 million to her $333,000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/10/10/jeff-klein-alessandra-biaggi/1577047002/|title=Jeff Klein spent more than $3M in NYS Senate primary loss|first=Mark|last=Lungariello|website=The Journal News}} Biaggi said: "The more people told me I couldn’t win, the more obsessed I became."

In a major upset, Biaggi defeated Klein in the primary, 54%–46%.{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Alessandra_Biaggi|title=Alessandra Biaggi|website=Ballotpedia}}Edward Schneier (2019). [https://books.google.com/books?id=4PTHDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22alessandra+biaggi%22&pg=PT22 Putting People Back in Politics; The Revival of American Democracy] She remarked: "It was a tough fight. And, I should also say, we should thank [Senator Klein] for his service. But his time is up."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/13/nyregion/state-senate-election-results-idc-klein.html|title=Democratic Insurgents Topple 6 New York Senate Incumbents|first=Vivian|last=Wang|date=September 14, 2018|work=The New York Times}} Biaggi's victory was attributed by some to anger with the former members of the Independent Democratic Conference.{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2018/09/14/jeff-klein-spent-3m-in-stunning-loss-to-newcomer-biaggi/|title=Jeff Klein spent $3M in stunning loss to newcomer Biaggi|work=New York Post|author=Carl Campanile|date=September 14, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/11/nyregion/jeffrey-klein-alessandra-biaggi.html/|title=He Led a Group of Disloyal New York Democrats. Will It Cost Him His Seat?|work=The New York Times|author=Lisa W. Foderaro|date=September 11, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018}}

As New York's electoral fusion laws allow candidates to appear on multiple ballot lines in an election, Klein still appeared in the November 6, 2018, general election on the third-party Independence Party of New York ballot line.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/09/17/life-after-defeat-questions-remain-about-plans-for-democratic-primary-losers-614778|title=Life after defeat? Questions remain about plans for Democratic primary losers|first=Bill|last=Mahoney|publisher=Politico|date=September 17, 2018|access-date=September 18, 2018}} On November 6, 2018, Biaggi defeated Klein{{Cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/06/alessandra-biaggi-set-oust-former-idc-leader-state-senate-race/1891107002/|title = Alessandra Biaggi victory in state Senate race puts 'nail in the IDC coffin'| work=The Journal News }} and Republican Richard Ribustello and was elected to the New York State Senate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mic.com/articles/192209/alessandra-biaggi-new-york-state-senate-race-victory|title=Progressive challenger Alessandra Biaggi defeats Richard Ribustello in New York state Senate race|author=Alison Durkee|date=November 7, 2018|website=Mic}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/06/alessandra-biaggi-set-oust-former-idc-leader-state-senate-race/1891107002/|title=Alessandra Biaggi victory in state Senate race puts 'nail in the IDC coffin' |work=Rockland/Westchester Journal News|accessdate= November 7, 2018}} At 32 years of age, she became one of the youngest women ever elected to the New York State Senate.Claire Wasserman (2021). [https://books.google.com/books?id=7vvtDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22alessandra+biaggi%22&pg=PA267 Ladies Get Paid; The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Barriers, Owning Your Worth, and Taking Command of Your Career]

In 2020, Biaggi was re-elected to the Senate with 74% of the vote.{{Cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/elections/results/2020-11-03/state/new-york/upper/|title=2020 New York State Senate Election Results|website=www.democratandchronicle.com|access-date=February 18, 2025}}

In June 2019, the New York legislature passed sweeping anti-sexual-harassment legislation that Biaggi had sponsored.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/nyregion/sexual-harassment-laws-ny.html|title=Sex Harassment Laws Toughened in New York: 'Finally, This Is Happening'|first=Vivian|last=Wang|date=June 20, 2019|work=The New York Times}} Among other things, the bills reduced employers' ability to avoid liability for their employees' behavior, provided for attorney fees and punitive damages, and lengthened the time frame within which to file complaints. In her first six months in office, Biaggi introduced 80 bills, 17 of which were passed.Courtney Emerson (2021). [https://books.google.com/books?id=lPTkDwAAQBAJ&q=%22alessandra%20biaggi%22 After You Vote; A Woman's Guide to Making an Impact, from Town Hall to Capitol Hill]

In February 2021, Biaggi wrote on Twitter: "@NYGovCuomo, you are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/nyregion/cuomo-investigation-sex-harassment.html|title=Under Siege Over Sex Harassment Claims, Cuomo Offers Apology|first1=Jesse|last1=McKinley|first2=Dana|last2=Rubinstein|date=February 28, 2021|work=The New York Times}} At the time, her call for his resignation was what The New York Times described as: "something of an outlier in the Democrat-controlled Legislature." On August 10, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-resigns.html|title=Cuomo Resigns Amid Scandals, Ending Decade-Long Run in Disgrace|first1=Luis|last1=Ferré-Sadurní|first2=J. David|last2=Goodman|date=August 10, 2021|work=The New York Times}}

In May 2021 journalist Matthew Kassel opined: "Biaggi ... has gained a reputation, on her own merits, as an upstate force — an influential lawmaker with a growing list of legislative accomplishments who has carved out a space for herself as an outspoken and independent voice in Albany’s cutthroat political sphere."{{Cite web|url=https://jewishinsider.com/2021/05/alessandra-biaggi-new-york-senate/|title=Alessandra Biaggi is carving her own path; The outspoken New York State senator is already being floated as a potential successor to embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo|date=May 11, 2021|website=Jewish Insider|author=Matthew Kassel}}

On September 24, 2021, Biaggi co-wrote a letter to US Senator Maria Cantwell with eight other New York State Senators, requesting that the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation engage in oversight of the United States Center for SafeSport, and step in to ensure that SafeSport is adequately conducting investigations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/article/attachment/safesport_letter.pdf|title=Letter to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell Requesting that the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation engage in oversight of the United States Center for SafeSport|date=September 24, 2021|website=NY State Senate}} They referred to what they called SafeSport's failure to carry out impartial and thorough investigations, and ensure the safety of athletes it is charged with protecting. They highlighted the fact that despite serious outstanding allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual coercion, and other violent behaviors by former friends, peers, and current teammates, and an ongoing investigation, fencer Alen Hadzic was allowed to travel to Tokyo as an alternate for the 2021 Team USA Olympic fencing team.

Biaggi was a vocal advocate for defunding the police.{{Cite web |title=Bronx cop-stopper wants LI nod for DC |url=https://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/bronx-cop-stopper-wants-li-nod-for-dc,21160 |access-date=2022-06-04 |website=The Jewish Star |date=February 16, 2022 |language=en}}

In 2022, Biaggi received criticism over her treatment of her staff.{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/14/biaggi-wants-to-defeat-bccc-boss-00051172|title=Biaggi wants to defeat the DCCC boss in New York. Her ex-staff has a story to tell.|first=Anna|last=Gronewold|publisher=Politico|date=August 14, 2022|accessdate=August 23, 2022}}

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On June 7, 2022, Biaggi announced that she would be running for New York's 17th congressional district in a primary challenge against DCCC chair Sean Patrick Maloney.{{cite tweet |author=Alessandra Biaggi |user=Biaggi4NY |date=June 7, 2022 |title=I'm running for Congress to challenge inaction and political cowardice. New Yorkers deserve fierce champions in Washington, and that's why I'm so proud to receive the endorsement of one of the bravest fighters I know: @AOC |number=1534210751988121601 |website=Twitter |access-date=June 7, 2022}} Upon her announcement, she was endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.{{cite web |last1=Metzger |first1=Bryan |last2=Lahut |first2=Jake |date=June 7, 2022 |title=AOC is backing a primary challenger to Sean Patrick Maloney, a fellow New York Democrat and the head of the party's House campaign arm |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/aoc-backs-primary-challenger-alessandra-biaggi-sean-patrick-maloney-2022-6?r=US&IR=T |website=Business Insider |access-date=June 7, 2022}} On August 23, 2022, Biaggi lost to Maloney in the primary election.{{cite news|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/08/sean-patrick-maloney-defeats-alessandra-biaggi-in-ny-17.html|title=Sean Patrick Maloney|first=Nia|last=Prater|publisher=New York Magazine|date=August 23, 2022|accessdate=August 24, 2022}}

In 2019, Crain's New York Business named Biaggi to its annual "40 Under 40" list.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/40-under-40-2019-alessandra-biaggi|title=40 Under 40 - Alessandra Biaggi|date=March 19, 2019|website=Crain's New York Business}}

In June 2021, she was named to the Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center annual 40 Under 40: The Rising Stars in NYC Food Policy. She was noted for working "to transform and improve the food system."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/40-under-40-the-rising-stars-in-nyc-food-policy-class-of-2021/|title=40 Under 40: The Rising Stars in NYC Food Policy (Class of 2021)|date=June 17, 2021|website=NYC Food Policy Center (Hunter College)}} In November 2021, Biaggi was named to the City & State New York "Women 100", as one of the prominent women wielding power in New York State.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2021/11/power-diversity-women-100/186632/|title=The Power of Diversity: Women 100; The female leaders evening out the balance of power in New York. |date=November 8, 2021|website=City & State NY}} She was noted especially for having long pushed for legislation addressing sexual assault and sexual abuse.

On July 22, 2019, in Tarrytown, New York, Biaggi married Nathaniel Koloc. He is a management consultant whom she met in 2015, and who also worked on the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/27/fashion/weddings/team-players-in-politics-and-love.html|title=Team Players in Politics and Love|date=July 27, 2019|work=The New York Times|last=Radomsky|first=Rosalie R.|accessdate=June 28, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://riverdalepress.com/stories/hillary-clinton-attends-biaggi-wedding-nyc-bronx,69625|title=Hillary Clinton attends Sen. Biaggi wedding|website=The Riverdale Press|author=Michael Hinman|date=August 2, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnytimesstyles%2Fposts%2F2542523065787217%3Fcomment_tracking%3D%257B%2522tn%2522%253A%2522O%2522%257D|title=NY Times Styles|work=The New York Times|date=July 28, 2019}}

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• List of New York state senators

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• {{official website|http://alessandrabiaggi.com/}}
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Category:1986 births

Category:American people of Italian descent

Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections

Category:Child sexual abuse in the United States

Category:Fordham University School of Law alumni

Category:Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign

Category:Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly

Category:Democratic Party New York (state) state senators

Category:Lawyers from New York City

Category:Legislators from Westchester County, New York

Category:Living people

Category:People from Fort Lee, New Jersey

Category:People from Pelham, New York

Category:Politicians from Mount Vernon, New York

Category:Politicians from the Bronx

Category:Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development alumni

Category:21st-century members of the New York State Legislature