Fernandez Runs For NY Senate District 34: Patch Candidate Profile 2022

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles before election day.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez is seeking the New York State Senate seat in District 34. Current incumbent Alessandra Biaggi did not seek re-election as she unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for the Democratic line on the ballot in Congressional District 17. A Democrat, Fernandez's opponent is Samantha Zherka on the Republican and Conservative lines.

District 34 moved south in the redistricting after the 2020 Census, and now only about one-fourth of it is in Westchester County.

Fernandez, 34, lives in New York City.

Learn more at her campaign website.

Why are you seeking this office?

As an Assemblywoman, I have made it a point to be out in our community having real conversations with my constituents. Whether through putting their concerns at the top of my legislative agenda or connecting residents to the appropriate resources, my work is geared towards real solutions. Now, I want to step up for the 34th district. I want to prepare our communities for climate change, strengthen small businesses and secure transportation for all. I have the experience to continue to fight for education, affordable housing and universal childcare.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have proven that I am present and responsive to the needs of my constituents, and that I get things done. As much as I’ve been on the streets of my community, I’ve been in the halls of Albany fighting to bring back resources for my community. I'm a proven fighter for my district and I'm ready to fight for the 34th district.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

As an Assemblymember, I have been a champion of securing funding for all school systems and making sure that all schools provide children with a well rounded and equitable education. I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved in the state legislature and securing more funding every year. As a state senator, that commitment stands and only improves as New York City proposes to increase budget cuts.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Since childhood, I've always had a love for my community and desire to serve. I attended high school in Westchester County, before receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Hofstra University. After graduation, I knew that I wanted to devote myself to serving the community. From helping college and high school students to find internships to working as a chief of staff for Former Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj, I began to do exactly that. When I decided to run to represent the 80th district as their Assemblymember, I knew the gravity of responsibility that I was taking on. Since then, I have continued to be a true public servant for my community and have made it a point to represent the needs of every member of this district. My passion and dedication to public service make me the right leader to serve this community.

The past few years have been tough and the COVID-19 pandemic hit The Bronx especially hard. It was an incredibly difficult time, but I knew standing on the sidelines was not an option when faced with the challenge of keeping our community going. I stood with nurses at Jacobi Hospital, helping them advocate for the resources they needed. I was on the ground in my district handing out food and PPE supplies. I personally helped restaurant owners work with online vendors and provided schools with grants to buy laptops for online learning. Through the Excluded Workers Fund I provided a safety net for undocumented families being left behind. I believe supporting my community during one of the most difficult phases of the pandemic is one of my greatest accomplishments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I've ever been given was to never settle, and to keep working towards the success I see for myself and for others.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I grew up in a big family, I'm one of 6 brothers and sisters. I'm the daughter of immigrants. As a young child, I watched my father work hard to build a thriving small business on Morris Park avenue in The Bronx. Watching him taught me that progress takes passion. I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get things done.