Exclusive: Biaggi promises fearless leadership in 1st TV interview since announcing congressional run

The 35-year-old Pelham Democrat told Rosenblum that she promised to bring a "bold agenda" and "fearless leadership" to Washington.

News 12 Staff

Feb 10, 2022, 10:51 PM

Updated 1,032 days ago

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State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi has officially joined one of the most crowded congressional races in the state, and on Thursday she gave her first television interview since becoming a candidate to News 12's Tara Rosenblum.
Biaggi burst onto New York's political scene back in 2018, ousting one of the most powerful Democrats in the state Senate.
Now, the two-term popular progressive has her sights set on a higher office as she runs for New York's newly ramped 3rd Congressional District.
The district stretches from Long Island to Queens and into Westchester and the Bronx.
The 35-year-old Pelham Democrat told Rosenblum that she promised to bring a "bold agenda" and "fearless leadership" to Washington.
"What has been apparent to me is that many leaders are afraid to use their power, but I'm not," she says.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Tom Suozzi, who is giving it up to run for New York governor. It leaves no shortage of Democrats who hope to replace him.
Here's how Biaggi described her opponents in one word:
Port Washington progressive organizer Melanie D'Arrigo? Committed.
Suffolk Deputy County Executive Jon Kaiman? Experienced.
Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan? Excited.
Oyster Bay businesswoman Reema Rasool? Unknown.
Democratic National Committee veteran Robert Zimmerman? Fundraiser.
Biaggi has worked under Democratic heavyweights Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo in the past, although she later became one of the governor's most outspoken critics.
She credits her own success to her mentor and late grandfather, 10-term Rep. Mario Biaggi - who served the Bronx.
When asked what her grandfather's advice would be if he were still alive, Biaggi replied, "Do your best work and be kind."
Two Republicans have filed for a run - Kevin Surdi and George Santos.
The petitioning process will begin next month. The Democratic primary is the end of June.
Extended video of exclusive interview with Tara Rosenblum