Elizabeth with her sons Dennis and Owen.
Elizabeth, on her father Walter's lap, with her parents and all of her siblings.
My Story
Working-class from the start
I’ve served on the New York City Council but I wasn’t groomed for politics. I am a woman who found her voice as a young mom and a union worker. I’m a pro-union feminist who raised two sons as a single mom, and I know firsthand the struggles our Queens families face. If you haven’t met me or don’t know my record, then please keep reading!
Queens. Always Queens.
I was born and raised in Elmhurst, the fourteenth of fifteen children. That’s right: I have fourteen siblings.
My Father Walter died when I was seven. My mother Mary did the best she could to raise all of us on her own. My mom is a remarkably strong woman. My older sisters helped raise me, too.
After studying art restoration in college, I worked as a painter. My second family was my union, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. They helped me win my first seat on the City Council in 2008, making me the first woman and first Democrat to win in the 30th District, a traditionally Republican seat.
Single moms work harder
My early adult years were tough. I was a single mother raising two children and I often lived paycheck to paycheck. But I worked hard. Somehow through all that I earned a master’s degree in urban planning, too. All of these life experiences have prepared me for this moment, to run for Queens Borough President.
My campaign is about Queens. It’s about you. It’s an honor to have this opportunity to earn your support. I look forward to getting to know you and learning about your concerns and issues and solving them together for a better borough.
