Catalina Cruz was born in Colombia and came to Queens at nine. She grew up as a DREAMer, living in the United States for more than ten years as an undocumented American. Cruz was raised by a single mother who, like many immigrants, had to work multiple and menial jobs to support her family. Inspired by her mother’s perseverance, Cruz has committed her career to fighting for our community to ensure our workers, neighbors, and families not only survive but thrive.

Cruz is an experienced attorney and a leader in tenant protection, immigration reform, and workers’ rights. Prior to becoming the assemblywoman for the 39th District, she practiced housing law. She served in various positions in city and state government, including chief of staff to former Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, counsel to the City Council’s Committee on Immigration, and director of the Governor’s Exploited Workers Task Force, among others. In these positions, she represented tenants in housing court, drafted legislation, and implemented initiatives to support women, protect workers, and champion small businesses.

Since taking office in 2019, Cruz has passed more than 24 new laws to combat food insecurity, curtail the high cost of healthcare, protect aging New Yorkers, and so much more. Cruz’s district office places a strong emphasis on constituent services. Her hardworking staff is proud to have helped thousands of constituents access legal services, small business support, unemployment insurance, health insurance, and pandemic assistance, as well as help with mortgage, rent, and utility payments.

Cruz lives in Jackson Heights, Queens. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a juris doctor from the City University of New York’s School of Law and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.