Harlem Assemblyman Rodriguez Tapped As Secretary Of State

HARLEM, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul announced nominations and recommendations for her administration Thursday, including New York State Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez of East Harlem.

Rodriguez, 45, was elected to the Assembly in November 2010 and lives in East Harlem, according to his website. He represents the 68th District, which includes East Harlem and parts of Central Harlem and the Upper East Side.

His appointment as Secretary of State would create a vacancy in that district — Harlem's second open seat this fall, following Brian Benjamin's departure from the state senate to become lieutenant governor.

"Mr. Rodriguez is a uniquely accomplished leader and legislator, with civic and legislative successes that have been focused strategically on investing in and developing public-good infrastructure projects, creating good-paying jobs and addressing financial disparities for historically underrepresented minorities and low-income communities," Hochul's office said in a news release.

Rodriguez has not yet issued a comment on his nomination, and it was unclear when he would assume the new office. In the Assembly, Rodriguez pushed for funding to repair East Harlem's crumbling waterfront, and his website touts his work securing funding for NYCHA and other affordable housing initiatives, increasing school funding and creating a statewide Senior Center Council.

The lawmaker had shown interest in other offices, however: in September, he briefly put his name forward for Benjamin's open senate seat before withdrawing during the nominating process. He also ran for City Council in East Harlem in 2017, losing narrowly to Diana Ayala.