Catalina Cruz: Campaigns and Elections
Catalina Cruz's electoral career began with a historic 2018 primary victory and has been sustained by re-elections in one of the most diverse Assembly districts in the nation. This section walks through each in order, with results and context, citing primary or strong secondary sources.
2018: The breakthrough
Cruz won the 2018 Democratic primary for the 39th Assembly District with 53 percent of the vote, defeating the party-backed incumbent 1,2. She ran unopposed in the general election. Her victory made her the first former DREAMer elected to office in New York State and only the third nationally 1. The campaign was driven by President Trump's threat to end DACA, which Cruz cited as the catalyst for her decision to run 3. She received campaign training from New American Leaders and raised nearly $200,000 1.
2020 to 2024: Re-elections
Cruz has been re-elected in subsequent cycles, maintaining her hold on the heavily Democratic district 4. Her incumbency advantage and her strong constituent-service operation have kept her position secure.
Electoral profile
Cruz's 39th District is one of the most diverse in the nation, with more than 58 percent of the population foreign-born 2,5. Her personal story as a former undocumented immigrant gives her unusual credibility with her constituency. Her electoral strength rests on this personal authenticity and her community-rooted campaign operation.
Summary of electoral results
* 2018 Assembly (District 39): Won Democratic primary (53%); ran unopposed in general. First DREAMer elected in New York State.
* 2020, 2022, 2024: Re-elected.