About Hiram

Hiram began his career in public service at 17 years old by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where he learned discipline and focus early. During his service, he received the National Defense Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

In 1988, Hiram joined the NYPD, where he became a fierce advocate against racial profiling, police brutality and discrimination against minorities. Because of this, he co-founded and became the Vice President of the Latino Officers Association He also served as the first police officer elected to the Board of Directors of the New York Civil Liberties Union. 

During his tenure in the NYPD, he spearheaded one of the largest class action lawsuits against the NYPD for discrimination and disparate treatment that resulted in the largest settlement at that time and just as importantly, long term changes to the Department’s disciplinary system. 

As Chair of the Veterans Committee, Hiram spearheaded a multi-million dollar initiative to open veterans’ resource centers throughout the five boroughs. 

As Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, he led his colleagues to ensure passage of living wage legislation for hard-working residents and families. He fought back attempts to cut funding for programs combating infant mortality and HIV/AIDS. 

As a housing advocate, he fought real estate interests as he supported lead paint poisoning legislation.

As a consumer advocate, Hiram fought for truth-in-pricing, ensuring retail stores played fairly. He also led the battle to ensure that parking meters are free on Sundays. 

As a civil rights advocate, he led the successful fight to protect immigrants from ICE and USCIS by working with Mayor NAME THE MAYOR to create a “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy. This historic policy ensured that all residents had access to necessary city services without the fear of information being divulged to federal immigration authorities.  

As an education advocate, Hiram spearheaded the Education Equity Act, expanding translation services at our public schools. Throughout his tenure, he worked to allocate funding for new schools to alleviate the overcrowding that plagues Corona’s public schools.

Hiram served as a Presidential Delegate to the Democratic National Convention where President Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic nominee for President.

Hiram was elected to represent the communities of Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Astoria and Woodside in the 13th Senatorial District in Queens. 

Hiram continued to fight for his communities while in office. While in the Senate, he fought to reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The reform removed mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, and restored judicial authority to send drug users to treatment rather than prison.  

After a political hiatus, Hiram was again elected by the voters of East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, and Corona as the Democratic District Leader in the 35th Assembly District.

In his role as District Leader, Hiram continues to ensure that our community’s voices inform party decisions. Hiram aims to bring his unique experiences together to empower and protect all New Yorkers. His goal is to ensure that the voices of East Elmhurst, Corona, Rego Park, Elmhurst do not go unheard.

As a staunch defender of civil rights, an advocate for social justice and criminal justice reform, Hiram has authored over a dozen laws in the City and the State of New York to protect and serve our community. He hopes to continue to do so if elected to the New York State Assembly District 35.