Rafael Espinal

Espinal has lived in Brooklyn all his life, while his parents are from the Dominican Republic. He was born in 1984, and is the third of six children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rafaelespinal.nyc/meet-rafael|title = Meet Rafael}} He was raised in Cypress Hills, attending and graduating from New York City public schools, P.S. 108, I.S. 302, and Franklin K. Lane High School. Espinal attended Queens College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English.

In 2017 - 2018, Espinal was selected for a MIT CoLab Fellowship.{{Cite web |last=Katinas |first=Paula |date=2017-09-27 |title=Brooklyn lawmakers named MIT Community Fellows |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/09/27/brooklyn-lawmakers-named-mit-community-fellows/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |language=en-US}} A two year program within the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning focused on prospective models for community-driven economic development tied to shared wealth and ownership.{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.colab.mit.edu/blog/2018/5/21/nyc-elected-officials-mel-king-community-fellows |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=MIT CoLab |date=21 May 2018 |language=en-US}}

Espinal first worked as an adult literacy teacher.{{Cite web|url=https://thebridgebk.com/how-rafael-espinal-emerged-as-city-councils-idea-man/|title=How Rafael Espinal Emerged as the City Council's Idea Man|date=July 18, 2018|website=The Bridge}}

Espinal entered public service as an aide to City Councilmember Erik Martin Dilan, ultimately serving as his chief of staff.

In the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries, he was the only New York City Councilmember to endorse Bernie Sanders.{{Cite web|url=https://observer.com/2016/01/meet-the-only-member-of-the-new-york-city-council-endorsing-bernie-sanders/|title=Meet the Only Member of the New York City Council Endorsing Bernie Sanders|website=The New York Observer |date=January 6, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://bushwickdaily.com/bushwick/categories/bushwick/3742-bushwick-council-member-rafael-espinal-talks-bernie-sanders-with-bushwick-daily|title=Bushwick Council Member Rafael Espinal Talks Bernie Sanders with Bushwick Daily|date=April 14, 2016|website=Bushwick Daily}} He endorsed him again for the 2020 primaries, the first City Councilmember to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RLEspinal/status/1139300794015080448|title=I've said it before and I'll say it again, @BernieSanders is the best person to move our city and country forward. Proud to join @BernieSanders campaign for 2020. Who's with us?pic.twitter.com/oUHl3wSCfY|first=Rafael L. Jr.|last=Espinal|date=June 13, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://politi.co/2IfD5xv|title=Warren's campaign amasses support in Sanders' native New York City|first1=Sally|last1=Goldenberg|first2=Erin|last2=Durkin|website=Politico PRO}}

In 2017, Espinal was named one of Time Out New York's "New Yorkers of the Year", largely in recognition of his advocacy in repealing the New York City Cabaret Law, enforcement of which disproportionately targeted LGBTQ and ethnic minority venues and creating the city's Office of Nightlife, dedicated to supporting DIY art spaces, music venues, bars and restaurants.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/new-yorkers-of-the-year-2017|title=Introducing the New Yorkers of the year 2017|website=Time Out New York}}

In 2019, Espinal ran in the special election for New York City Public Advocate, following Letitia James's victory in her race for New York State Attorney General.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gothamgazette.com/opinion/130-opinion/8246-my-vision-for-the-role-of-public-advocate-rafael-espinal|title=My Vision for the Role of Public Advocate: Rafael Espinal |first=Rafael|last=Espinal|website=Gotham Gazette}} He came in 7th place in a crowded field of 17 candidates, won by fellow Brooklyn City Councilmember Jumaane Williams.{{Cite web |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Rafael_Espinal|title=Rafael Espinal |website=Ballotpedia}} The New York Times endorsed Jumaane Williams, but noted on Espinal's career as a City Council Member, "In a 51-member body, Mr. Espinal has been a standout."{{Cite news |last=The New York Times Editorial Board |title=Opinion {{!}} Jumaane Williams for Public Advocate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/opinion/jumaane-williams-public-advocate-endorsement.html |work=The New York Times |date=2019-02-21 |access-date=2024-09-14 |url-access=subscription}}

Espinal, facing term limits to another term in the City Council, announced plans to run for Brooklyn Borough President in the 2021 election, as Eric Adams, then Brooklyn Borough President, faced term limits.{{Cite web |url=https://patch.com/new-york/bed-stuy/rafael-espinal-run-brooklyn-borough-president|title=Rafael Espinal To Run For Brooklyn Borough President|date=September 19, 2019 |website=Bed-Stuy, NY Patch}}{{Cite web |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/09/18/rafael-espinal-announces-run-for-brooklyn-borough-president/|title=Rafael Espinal announces run for Brooklyn Borough President|date=September 18, 2019|website=Brooklyn Eagle}} Espinal dropped out of the race in January 2020,{{Cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/01/16/councilman-rafael-espinal-suddenly-drops-out-of-borough-president-race/|title=Councilman Rafael Espinal suddenly drops out of borough president race|last=Calder|first=Rich|date=2020-01-16|website=New York Post|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26}} and subsequently resigned from the Council entirely.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/01/26/brooklyn-city-councilman-rafael-espinal-resigns|title=Brooklyn City Councilman Rafael Espinal Resigns |website=www.ny1.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26}}

In his first campaign, Espinal won the open 54th district seat in the New York State Assembly in a special election held on September 13, 2011.{{cite news|last1=Bredderman|first1=Will|title=Erik Dilan Defends 'Musical Chairs' With Rafael Espinal|url=http://observer.com/2014/08/erik-dilan-defends-musical-chairs-with-rafael-espinal/|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=New York Observer|date=August 20, 2014}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/nyregion/rafael-espinal-and-other-democrats-win-assembly-seats.html?_r=1 | work=The New York Times | first=Liz | last=Robbins | title=Rafael Espinal and Other Democrats Win Assembly Seats | date=2011-09-14}} The seat was left vacant after Darryl Towns resigned from the post in order to take a position with Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration.{{cite news |last=Robbins |first=Liz |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/nyregion/54th-assembly-district-vote-could-upset-brooklyn-politics.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all |title=Brooklyn Special Election Could Upset Politics as Usual |work=New York Times |date=2011-09-02 |accessdate=2015-09-27 }} The assembly district represents parts of Bushwick, East New York, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Cypress Hills, and Cityline in Brooklyn.{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=54&sh=map |title=New York State Assembly - Member Section |publisher=Assembly.state.ny.us |date= |accessdate=2011-09-13}}

Espinal had endorsements from the Brooklyn Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the Conservative Party of New York State.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/09/09/2011-09-09_gonzalez_for_assembly.html|title=Editorial: Gonzalez for Assembly|website=New York Daily News |publisher=|accessdate=12 February 2017}} In a tight race, Espinal (46%) defeated Jesus Gonzalez (35%) running on the Working Families Party line and Deidra Towns (19%) running on her party platform, "Community First".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/nyregion/rafael-espinal-and-other-democrats-win-assembly-seats.html|title=Rafael Espinal and Other Democrats Win Assembly Seats|first=Liz|last=Robbins|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 14, 2011}}{{cite web|author=Blue Utopia |url=http://townsforassembly.org/ |title=Deidra Towns for NYS Assembly |publisher=Townsforassembly.org |date= |accessdate=2011-09-13}}

In 2012, Espinal was named one of City & State's "New York City Rising Stars: 40 Under 40" for his work as New York State Assemblyman.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityandstateny.com/rising-stars-40-under-40-5/ |title=» RISING STARS: 40 UNDER 40 | City & State |accessdate=2014-01-14 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113145820/http://www.cityandstateny.com/rising-stars-40-under-40-5/ |archivedate=2014-01-13 }}

In 2013, Espinal opted to leave the state Assembly to run for the New York City Council to succeed Erik Martin Dilan, and won the primary and general to take the seat in 2014.

In 2014 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an affordable housing plan that would create over 3,000 units of affordable housing in the Cypress Hills, East New York, and Ocean Hill portions of his district. Espinal used the opportunity to advocate for funding to address all of the social and infrastructure issues his community had experienced for decades. While facing opposition from a citywide advocacy group, Espinal was able to secure what some have called the most comprehensive rezoning plan in the City of New York,{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2016/04/8596748/east-new-york-rezoning-clears-city-council-land-use-committee|title=East New York rezoning clears City Council land use committee|publisher=|accessdate=12 February 2017}} over a quarter of a billion dollars to address unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and affordable housing issues. The New York Times endorsed Espinal's move and stated that "Espinal did right by his constituents."{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/opinion/saving-a-new-york-neighborhood-from-gentrification.html|title=Saving a New York Neighborhood From Gentrification|date=23 April 2016|work=The New York Times|accessdate=12 February 2017}}

In 2017 Espinal introduced and passed a bill calling for the full repeal of the New York City Cabaret Law, a regulation introduced in 1926 and often called racist, homophobic and authoritarian by its opponents.{{Cite web|url=http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3086319&GUID=6FDA3305-06B3-47B3-9DF6-21B605C5A8EE&Options=&Search=|title=New York City Council Bill 1652|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/06/19/cabaret-law-nyc-repeal-rafael-espinal|title=NYC Councilman Announces Bill to Repeal No-Dancing Law|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}} He soon after passed legislation creating the nation's first Office of Nightlife, a city agency dedicated to supporting the city's nightlife economy.{{Cite magazine |last=Bein |first=Kat |date=2017-06-20 |title=NYC Councilman Slams 'Racist' Cabaret Law, Proposes Nightlife Task Force & 'Night Mayor' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nyc-espinal-cabaret-law-night-mayor-7840942/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In 2019 Espinal passed legislation requiring all New York City buildings to install solar panels or green roofs as part of New York City's "Green New Deal" to decrease carbon emissions and build green infrastructure.{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/new-laws-require-all-new-roofs-to-contain-solar-panels-or-green-space/|title=NEW LAWS REQUIRE ALL NEW ROOFS TO CONTAIN SOLAR PANELS OR GREEN SPACE|date=11 November 2019|work=Brooklyn Paper|accessdate=}} Espinal also lead on many green initiatives like banning singles use plastics,{{Cite web |last=Geberer |first=Raanan |date=2019-02-15 |title=Council Bill Would Ban Plastic Straws, Bags, Forks and More |url=https://queenseagle.com/all/2019/2/15/council-bill-would-ban-plastic-straws-bags-forks-and-more |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Queens Daily Eagle |language=en-US}} securing funding for New York City's first electric school buses{{Cite web |last=Sharon |first=Shachar |date=2018-12-21 |title=Momentum Builds for Electric School Buses |url=https://nylcv.org/news/momentum-builds-for/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=New York League of Conservation Voters |language=en-US}} and passing the city's first Urban Agriculture policy, creating a comprehensive Urban Ag plan, website and Office.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Kaylee |date=2018-01-12 |title=New York City Has Passed Its First-Ever Urban Agriculture Policy Bill |url=https://www.ediblemanhattan.com/uncategorized/the-politics-of-new-york-citys-urban-farming-the-city-notices-urban-agriculture/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Edible Manhattan |language=en-US}}

On January 26, 2020, he resigned from the City Council to become the Executive Director and President of Freelancers Union.

In January 2020, Rafael Espinal was appointed Executive Director of the [https://www.freelancersunion.org/ Freelancers Union], a national nonprofit organization advocating for the rights and protections of independent workers. He became the third individual to lead the organization since its founding in 1995.{{cite web |title=Rafael Espinal named new Executive Director of Freelancers Union |url=https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/01/27/rafael-espinal-named-new-executive-director-of-freelancers-union/ |website=Freelancers Union Blog |date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=June 2, 2025}}

Under Espinal's leadership, the union expanded its legislative and support initiatives:

• Expansion of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act: Espinal helped expand the Freelance Isn’t Free Act beyond New York City. Originally enacted in NYC in 2017, the law, which creates non-payment protections, and mandates a minimum net pay of 30 days for independent workers, was later adopted in other jurisdictions, including New York State, Illinois, and California, providing freelancers with protections against nonpayment and ensuring the right to timely compensation.{{cite web |title=Freelance Isn’t Free expands statewide in New York |url=https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/08/27/freelance-isnt-free-new-york/ |website=Freelancers Union Blog |access-date=June 2, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Freelance Isn’t Free takes effect in Illinois |url=https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/07/10/freelance-isnt-free-takes-effect-in-illinois/ |website=Freelancers Union Blog |access-date=June 2, 2025}}{{cite web |title=California strengthens protections for freelance workers |url=https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/10/01/freelance-protections-california-state/ |website=Freelancers Union Blog |access-date=June 2, 2025}}

• Freelancers Relief Fund: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Espinal oversaw the launch of the Freelancers Relief Fund, which provided emergency cash assistance to freelancers facing income loss.{{cite web |title=Fiverr Launches $500,000 Freelancers Relief Fund |url=https://www.amny.com/business-finance/freelancers-relief-fund-aims-to-assist-out-of-work-independent-contractors-during-covid-19-pandemic/ |access-date=June 2, 2025}}

• Advocacy for portable benefits: Espinal has been a national advocate for the creation of portable benefits systems for independent workers. He has called for policy reforms that decouple benefits like health care and retirement from traditional employment relationships.{{cite web |title=Testimony of Freelancers Union, Inc. on Economic Development |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/admin/structure/media/manage/filefile/a/2025-02/freelancers-union-inc.pdf |website=New York State Senate |date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=June 2, 2025}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://council.nyc.gov/d37/html/members/home.shtml|Rafael Espinal - New York City Council (official site)]

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{{s-ttl|title=New York City Council, 37th district|years=2014–2020}}

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{{s-ttl|title=New York State Assembly, 54th district|years=2011-2013}}

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{{New York City Council}}

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Category:Living people

Category:American politicians of Dominican Republic descent

Category:Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly

Category:New York City Council members

Category:Hispanic and Latino American New York City Council members

Category:Hispanic and Latino American state legislators in New York (state)

Category:Politicians from Brooklyn

Category:People from East New York, Brooklyn

Category:1984 births

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