New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez speaking at her inaugural “State of the District” at CUNY Law.
Senator Kristen Gonzalez Hosts Inaugural “State of the District” at CUNY School of Law
District 59 Senator Addresses Community Priorities, Legislative Achievements, and Vision for Affordable, Accessible New York
Long Island City, NY – New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez hosted her first-ever “State of the District” on Monday, November 17th at CUNY School of Law in Long Island City, bringing together constituents, community partners, and advocates to discuss the pressing issues facing District 59 and outline her legislative agenda for the upcoming session.
The event provided an opportunity for Senator Gonzalez to reflect on her office’s work over the past year while engaging directly with constituents about their priorities and concerns. District 59 encompasses neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn, including Long Island City, Astoria, Woodside, the east side of Manhattan, and parts of northern Brooklyn. Assemblymember Claire Valdez also attended and spoke at the event.
CUNY School of Law serves as a civic anchor in western Queens, regularly convening community partners, advocates, and elected officials for public dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. As the nation’s premier public interest law school, CUNY Law’s mission to train outstanding public interest lawyers and diversify the profession so that it includes and reflects the public it should serve, directly aligns with the priorities of local and state leaders: expanding access to justice for New Yorkers. Hosting events like the State of the District are part of the Law School’s broader commitment to supporting informed, engaged, and connected communities.
“We are honored that Senator Gonzalez chose to hold her inaugural State of the District at CUNY Law,” said Interim Dean Natalie Gomez-Velez of CUNY School of Law. “Her leadership, vision, and meaningful impact in this district and across this city align with our mission of inspiring leadership and advancing justice. She connects with the people she serves, lifts up their voices, and fights tirelessly for the issues that matter most, from affordable housing and workers’ rights to climate justice and election protection.”
CUNY Law’s clinics and programs, such as the Community Legal Resource Network, provide free and affordable legal support focused on immigrant justice, workers’ rights, family advocacy, and housing, serve Queens residents every year, offering legal information, support, and community education. The Law School also partners with local schools and youth programs through initiatives such as Pipeline to Justice and the First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative, strengthening pathways into public service and the legal profession for students across the district.
Assemblymember Claire Valdez, whose district overlaps with Senator Gonzalez’s, shared a story about the Senator standing alongside terminated workers at a rally. “This is an example of how Kristen shows up for workers and shows up for people when she is needed most,” Valdez said.
During her remarks, Senator Gonzalez emphasized the critical role that state legislation must play in protecting New Yorkers’ rights. “State legislation is the last line of defense as we are up against an increasingly hostile federal government,” she said. “It is not an understatement to state that in the almost first year of this administration, there has been significant damage to our community. Protecting our democracy, fighting fascism, is going to take all of us to win.”
Legislative Focus on Justice and Democracy
Senator Gonzalez noted that CUNY Law is “one of the best public interest law institutions in the country at a time when that is needed most.” She detailed her office’s extensive legal aid and casework efforts, having closed over 700 cases addressing issues including SNAP benefits, legal aid referrals, housing concerns, and unemployment assistance. The office has partnered with organizations like CORE and Legal Aid Society to connect constituents with necessary legal support.
In 2025, Senator Gonzalez introduced 49 bills, co-sponsored 209 bills, and passed 19 bills through the legislature. She emphasized the importance of passing pro-democracy bills, noting that even though New York has some of the strongest voting rights laws in the country, continued vigilance is essential.
Community Engagement and Dialogue
The end of the evening was dedicated to a question-and-answer session, providing constituents with direct access to their Senator. Attendees raised concerns, shared perspectives on local issues, and engaged in substantive civic discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing District 59.
“As working people, we all collectively deserve the ability to afford our life, but also to live a dignified life,” said Senator Gonzalez.
CUNY School of Law looks forward to continuing to serve as a gathering place for civic dialogue and community engagement in western Queens.
###