The political scene in Queens is heating up as Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas has officially filed to challenge incumbent State Sen. Jessica Ramos in next year’s Democratic primary for Senate District 13.
Assembly Member Enters 2025 Race
González-Rojas, who represents Assembly District 34, which includes parts of Elmhurst, Corona, and Jackson Heights, formally entered the race Tuesday, according to a filing first reported by City & State. The two lawmakers’ districts overlap significantly in central Queens.
“I’m running for state Senate because the people of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights deserve bold, values-driven leadership that listens, collaborates, and delivers,” González-Rojas said in a statement. “Together, we can build a future that centers working families and creates real results for our neighborhoods.”
The rumors have been buzzing for weeks that González-Rojas would challenge Ramos for this state Senator seat. Ramos has been a solid, popular progressive, but her base has dwindled after her controversial endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in the recent Democratic mayoral primary. Ramos also ran in that mayoral primary, ultimately finishing seventh in the race.
Progressive Support Already Forming Behind Challenger
Though González-Rojas is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), she has not been endorsed by the organization. She is also not part of its “Socialists in Office” slate in Albany.
Regardless of that, several progressive leaders have already rallied behind her campaign.
Queens Council Member Tiffany Cabán expressed support via social media, and Brooklyn Assembly Member Emily Gallagher endorsed her, calling González-Rojas “a fierce champion for working people.” Former Council Member Daniel Dromm and State Sen. Jabari Brisport also appeared to signal support.
The primary battle sets up a contest between two progressive-leaning Democrats with contrasting recent records and alliances.
Ramos Defends Record, Highlights Labor Support
Ramos hasn’t commented directly on the González-Rojas announcement, but her chief of staff, Trivette Knowles, issued a statement welcoming the primary challenge, saying democracy “thrives” when voters have real choices. He emphasized Ramos’ track record on labor legislation, citing her role as chair of the Senate Labor Committee.
Ramos has also made headlines for opposing the controversial Metropolitan Park casino proposal near Citi Field. She refused to introduce legislation reclassifying public parkland needed for the project, an issue that stirred debate within the district. Though the bill was later introduced by Sen. John Liu and passed by the Senate, Ramos said she stood by her constituents, many of whom oppose the casino.
“If you were to poll this senior center right now, they would tell you they don’t want a casino,” Ramos said during a visit to the Elmhurst Older Adult Center earlier this year. “It’s something that’s predatory.”
The primary between González-Rojas and Ramos is expected to be one of the most closely watched Democratic races in New York City in 2026.
