Diana Ayala
Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council
Assumed office
January 5, 2022
LeaderAdrienne Adams
Preceded byPosition reestablished
Member of the New York City Council
from the 8th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2018
Preceded byMelissa Mark-Viverito
Personal details
Born (1973-09-24) September 24, 1973
Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
Political partyDemocratic
EducationBronx Community College
WebsiteOfficial website

Diana Ayala (born September 24, 1973) is an American politician, serving as a member and the deputy speaker of the New York City Council. Ayala represents the 8th district, succeeding former Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in 2017.[1] The district includes Concourse, East Harlem, Highbridge, Longwood, Mott Haven, Port Morris, and Randall's Island. She is a member of the Democratic Party.[2]

Early life and education

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, she and her family moved to New York City when she was a child. They lived in public housing after living in shelters. She received an associate degree in Human Services from Bronx Community College.[3]

Career

Ayala worked as a Senior Center Director in East Harlem for seven years. She then served as Constituent Services Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for her predecessor, Melissa Mark-Viverito.[4]

New York City Council

Ayala ran against three other candidates in the Democratic primary for the open 8th city council district. Ayala had the support of Melissa Mark-Viverito, the term-limited incumbent and Speaker. Ayala's main primary opponent was Robert J. Rodriguez, an assemblyman. Ayala won the primary narrowly with 43.5% of the vote (4,012 votes) to Rodriguez's 42.23% (3,895 votes). In the general election, Ayala won 91.07% of the vote (13,617 votes), while her Republican opponent, Daby Benjaminé Carreras, won 5.26% (787 votes) and her Conservative opponent, Linda Ortiz, won 3.30% of the vote (494 votes).[5]

Election history
Location Year Election Results
NYC Council
District 8
2017 Democratic Primary √ Diana Ayala 43.50%
Robert J. Rodriguez 42.23%
Tamika Mapp 9.78%
Israel Martinez 4.26%
NYC Council
District 8
2017 General √ Diana Ayala (D) 90.90%
Daby Carreras (R) 5.36%
Linda Ortiz (Conservative) 3.37%

Personal life

Ayala and her long-time partner live in East Harlem. She has four children and three grandchildren.[4]

References

  1. Pastor, Kate (September 13, 2017). "Ayala Declares Victory in Tight Race to Replace Melissa Mark-Viverito". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  2. Krisel, Brendan (September 20, 2017). "Diana Ayala Wins East Harlem City Council Primary". Harlem, NY Patch.
  3. "Diana Ayala". Hyperleap. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021.
  4. 1 2 City Council Bio
  5. "Diana Ayala - Ballotpedia". Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  • Councilwoman Diana Ayala (official site)
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