Candidate Answers to JOLDC: J. Gustavo Rivera for NY Senate District 33
Candidate Name: J. Gustavo Rivera
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate District 33
Campaign Website: https://www.gustavoforthebronx.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I have been honored to represent the 33rd State Senate District for over a decade and I would like to continue working for my neighbors. Since the Democratic Conference was able to get the majority in the Senate we have been able to accomplish so much for working New Yorkers, but there is still a lot to do. I am running because I strongly believe government can have a positive impact on people’s lives and I would like to continue directly playing a role in governance.
Harold Lasswell said, “Politics is who gets what, when, and how.” I truly believe that is true and I want to fight to make sure that I use my political power to help working New Yorkers and my constituents.
As the Chair of the Senate Health Committee, my number one goal is to pass the New York Health Act. Wealth should not dictate your health and I am committed to making that a reality in New York.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
JOLDC, Stonewall Democrats, SAGE, and many more who will join The LGBT Center’s Caucus Weekend Reception when I receive the 2026 Community Changemaker Award including: The NEW Pride Agenda, The NYS LGBT Health & Human Services Network, Amida Care, The Ali Forney Center, Destination Tomorrow, In Our Own Voices, The Caribbean Equality Project, and Callen-Lorde.
3. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ+ issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump and his policies?
I’ve attended numerous pressers and rallies in Albany and at home in the City over the years, including to fight for reproductive health, protect trans health and support the Transgender Wellness and Equity Fund, stand up for immigrant rights amidst a fascist regime that targets anyone who tries to fight them.
4. In light of the Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
I am a reliable fighter for the issues that will protect every New Yorker and build solidarity against hatred and violence. I have been a proud supporter of many legislative and policy agendas to ensure the state protects our residents. I have personally visited 26 Federal Plaza to demand oversight of the illegal detention center ICE established there. My office is running a program visiting hundreds of businesses to prepare our neighbors with Know Your Rights information and resources to shield ourselves from their lawlessness.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
Absolutely not.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes and with the New York Health Act, that care would be guaranteed, affordable, and accessible to every New Yorker.
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
No, I don’t believe I’ve received an invitation.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
By empowering my community with Know Your Rights information and connecting them to rapid response networks with the Hands Off coalition, I am putting tools directly in the hands of my neighbors to fight fascism. I am a loud champion for legislation including NY 4 All, MELT, and Dignity not Detention among other state legislation to keep ICE out of our state and away from our neighbors.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Yes, and I would love to learn more about actions we can take.
10. If elected, will you commit to supporting legislation that raises taxes on the richest New Yorkers and large corporations in order to fund the services and investments our communities need?
I am the Senate sponsor of the Capital Gains Tax and a cosponsor of the IONY legislative agenda to raise revenue from the ultrawealthy.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I have not opposed shelters in my district. I have met with community members who do to ensure they have accurate information including access to the shelter providers as needed through community advisory boards and public events.
12. Will you sponsor and support legislation which will ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (New York for All Act) to prevent the funneling of people into ICE custody, and the sharing of sensitive information with ICE?
Loudly and proudly.
13. To advance safety and justice, New York must address our archaic sentencing and parole laws. Do you support the following key legislation: 1) Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283), which would allow judges to review and reconsider excessive sentences by considering if incarcerated people have transformed while incarcerated or based on changes in law and norms; 2) Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085), which would strengthen and expand “good time” and “merit time” programs in prison that encourage personal transformation and reunite families?; 3) Marvin Mayfield Act (S.1209/A.1297), which would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, thereby allowing judges to consider individual factors in a case?; 4) Elder Parole (S.454/A.514), which would allow incarcerated people over age 55 who have served 15 years the opportunity to go before the parole board?
Yes, I am a cosponsor for all of these bills and you can often find me at pressers and rallies to show support for the agenda.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, on the record.
16. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
Yes.
17. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
My office staff have a protocol to review and consider support requests for applications for clemency. Constituents and concerned community members can call my office for assistance.
18. Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election?
**** no. I endorsed Zohran Mamdani in April 2025.
19. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of scores of people with AIDS, excused city council members who voted against the gay rights bill and was blatantly racist, would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
Yes, please send me the information and I will share it with my team.
20. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
I am a supporter of the Social Housing Development Authority legislation. I also support legislation to preserve existing affordable housing. I am a support of local efforts to establish CLTs, tenant-owned housing, and to pass the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act.
21. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
Yes.
22. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults? Also known as Cecilia's Act for Rights in the Sex Trades (S2513 Salazar / A3251 Forrest).
Yes.
23. There is an effort to have mandatory inclusion of the New York State proposal that would require public schools to teach about the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, commonly described in the bill text as an “insurrection.” Do you support this proposal?
Yes, please send me the information and I will share it with my team.
24. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I have been very proud to receive your Club’s endorsement several times since I was elected. I am proud to have partners like you for a solidarity agenda that protects every New Yorker.
25. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Proudly!