Ruben Diaz Jr.
Ruben Díaz Jr. represented his hometown and the people of The Bronx for more than two decades. During his career in public service, Díaz championed a “New Bronx” agenda on economic development, housing, education, and public safety.
Díaz first entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1997. Elected at the age of 23, Díaz was the youngest person to serve in the legislative body since Theodore Roosevelt. Díaz served seven terms in the state legislature, including tenures on the Assembly Ways and Means, Housing and Education Committees. By 2007, he earned a spot on City Hall’s “40 Under 40” for being a young influential member of New York City politics.
In 2009, Díaz campaigned successfully in a special election for the Office of Bronx Borough President. While Borough President, The Bronx saw over $18.9 billion in new development of all kinds, including more than 45,000 new units of housing and significant infrastructure improvements. Over three terms in office, Díaz proved his knack for strong negotiation and a deep understanding of an increasingly complex regulatory environment in the City and State of New York.
Never losing sight of his roots, Díaz fought for equity and justice for his constituents. A staunch defender of the environment, he is a leading voice against environmental racism and injustice and has led efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for Bronx residents. As Borough President, Díaz provided tens of millions in funding to projects of all types in every Bronx neighborhood, including new technology upgrades to borough schools, green roofs and boiler upgrades, park improvements and more.
He graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York, with a BA in political theory. Borough President Díaz is also the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees in civil law from Berkeley College and Mercy College, and a doctoral degree in humane letters from the Metropolitan College of New York. A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Borough President Díaz lives in the Southeast Bronx with his wife.