Marcela Mitaynes is a Democratic Socialist member of the New York State Assembly representing District 51, which includes Red Hook, Sunset Park, and northern Bay Ridge in Brooklyn. Originally from Peru, she migrated to New York City as a child with her family and was raised in Sunset Park, where she now raises her own family. After being evicted from her rent-stabilized apartment of 30 years, she became a tenant rights advocate, founding Neighbors Helping Neighbors and playing a key role in passing the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which strengthened tenant protections statewide. She was elected in 2021, defeating incumbent Felix Ortiz in a surprise Democratic Socialists victory, and continues organizing for working-class issues like housing, healthcare, and energy access. Notable actions include participating in a hunger strike for the excluded workers fund and being arrested at a Rent Guidelines Board protest.

Education and Political Experience

• Attended elementary school at P.S. 169 in Sunset Park; served as PTA president there .
• Active community member for 10 years on Community Board 7.
• Tenant organizer with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, advocating across New York State.
• Elected to New York State Assembly in 2021 as a Democratic Socialist, representing District 51.