In Memoriam: New York State Senator José Peralta

First Dominican-American Elected to the State Senate, Dies at 47

By Jeffery C. Mays

José R. Peralta, the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate, died on Wednesday night. He was 47.

He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens after becoming disoriented following a two-week illness, but the cause of death had not yet been determined, a staff member said.

Mr. Peralta, a Democrat, lost his re-election bid in September after serving eight years in the State Senate representing a diverse swath of Queens.

A member of a group that caucused with Republicans, Mr. Peralta was defeated by a Democratic insurgent riding a progressive wave, and he was set to leave office at the end of next month.

Mr. Peralta was first elected to the State Senate in 2010 in a special election, defeating Hiram Monserrate, who was expelled from the Senate after being convicted of assaulting his companion.

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Source: The New York Times

Statement by Governor Andrew Cuomo

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Senator José Peralta. Senator Peralta was a dedicated public servant, a relentless advocate for Queens and a pioneer as the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate. As a Member of the Assembly for eight years and then as Senator, he fought tirelessly to make a difference for others, and he will always be remembered for his service to Queens and to all New Yorkers. This is a reminder of how precious life is — hold your families a little bit closer today as we think about all we are thankful for. 

 "On behalf of the entire family of New York, my thoughts and prayers are with Senator Peralta and his family, including his wife, Evelyn, and two sons."  

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Statement by New York State Senator James Sanders Jr.

 
"I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely death of my colleague in government, Senator José Peralta. I worked with him for many years and appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and his passion for defending immigrants and their rights. Although we headed in different directions politically, I believe he had a good heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time." 

Source: The Office of State Senator James Sanders Jr.