Logo

New York pols paid tribute Thanksgiving morning to New York State Senator José Peralta following his sudden death.

Gov. Cuomo in a statement called Peralta “a dedicated public servant, a relentless advocate for Queens and a pioneer as the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate.”

“As a Member of the Assembly for eight years and then as Senator, he fought tirelessly to make a difference for others, and he will always be remembered for his service to Queens and to all New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “This is a reminder of how precious life is — hold your families a little bit closer today as we think about all we are thankful for.”

Peralta, who represented a Queens district that included diverse neighborhoods such as Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside, died of an apparent heart attack late Wednesday night at the age of 47.

He was elected in March 2010. Prior to that, he served as an assemblyman in Queens.

He leaves behind a wife, Evelyn, and two sons.

Jessica Ramos, a former Mayor de Blasio aide who pulled off a major upset by defeating Peralta in this year’s Democratic primary, said in a tweet: “José Peralta is gone too soon,” along with a photo of the politician.

“When I met him in 2003 I saw a world of promise for our community & though years later we’d disagree on tackling the issues, I know in his heart he loved his community,” Ramos said of Peralta. “He was a true public servant. Strength & love to his wife, sons, and loved ones.”

Ramos cruised to victory in this month’s general election.

Other politicians and lawmakers tweeted their condolences for Peralta.

“This news is truly shocking and heartbreaking . My deepest condolences go out to Senator Jose Peralta’s family and friends. He will always be part of the Senate family,” state Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins tweeted early Thursday. 

Outgoing Republican state Sen. Marty Golden tweeted: “My deepest condolences go out to the family of Senator Jose Peralta. Jose was a great man who gave his all to the community he served and New York State. May God bless and comfort his family.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called Peralta “a good father, a loving husband, and a dedicated public servant,” in a tweet.

“Our city and our state are greatly diminished having lost him. Rest in peace, my friend,” he said. https://twitter.com/rubendiazjr/status/1065479286281383937

State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) tweeted: “Tragic news about @SenatorPeralta. My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace.”

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy