State Senator Jose Peralta, who represented Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, and Woodside, died on Wednesday at age 47. Reports seem that the cause of death was sudden heart attack.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Senator Jose Peralta. Senator Peralta was a dedicated public servant, a relentless advocate for Queens and a pioneer as the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement issued. “As a Member of the Assembly for eight years and then as Senator, he fought tirelessly to make a difference for others, and he will always be remembered for his service to Queens and to all New Yorkers. This is a reminder of how precious life is — hold your families a little bit closer today as we think about all we are thankful for. On behalf of the entire family of New York, my thoughts and prayers are with Senator Peralta and his family, including his wife, Evelyn, and two sons.”
Peralta was elected to the State Senate in 2010 in a special election after the Senate decided to expel Hiram Monserrate, who had been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend. However, 2017, Peralta’s constituents started to confront his defection to the Independent Democratic Conference, a breakaway group of Democratic Senators who caucused with the Republicans, in angry town halls. He was defeated in the September primary by Jessica Ramos.
The news outlet reported Peralta frustrated many in his own party after becoming a member of the Republican-aligned Independent Democratic Conference in January 2017. He was later defeated in a Democratic primary by Jessica Ramos—who won the November election.
The sudden death of Peralta, who was a Queens College graduate left many in disbelief. Rest in Peace Senator Peralta.
Join Our Email List for Trending Topics & Inspirational Stories
Facebook
Instagram
RSS