Mobilizing for New Yorkers
After graduating Le Moyne College with his B.A. in political science, Antonio began working for ACORN under the leadership of legendary organizers Jon Kest and Bertha Lewis, helping to unionize childcare workers who had been left out of the salary, pensions, or healthcare opportunities they deserved.
It wasn’t long until he realized where he belonged: in our city government pushing the progressive policies that could improve the lives of millions and millions of New Yorkers. He showed up to his local Council Member’s office one day with a resume in hand and a simple ask: “hire me.” Soon, he was working for Council Member Diana Reyna, who was at that time the representative for New York City’s 34th District. He started as a constituent services representative, worked himself up to an organizer, a budget director, a legislative aide, and finally, her Chief of Staff.
When Council Member Reyna reached her term limit, Antonio decided to run. In 2013, he was elected to the New York City Council, where he served for two terms.
What’s Next
The Council Member
Antonio represented Williamsburg and Bushwick in Brooklyn and Ridgewood in Queens as District 34’s Council Member from 2014 until 2022. Over his two terms, he served as the Chair of Sanitation & Solid Waste Management; led to passage landmark bills such as the Waste Equity Law, Commercial Waste Zone Legislation, and the Right to Know Act; and developed the Bushwick Community Plan.