Steven Raga is a Democrat representing New York State Assembly District 30, which includes neighborhoods such as Woodside, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights in Queens, New York City. First elected in November 2022 after defeating Republican Sean Lally, he was re-elected in 2024 and is the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature. Notable achievements include extensive public service, such as founding Pilipino American Unity for Progress , serving as Executive Director of Woodside on the Move, and proposing legislation for 150 speed cameras to address double parking in New York City. In February 2026, he announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate to replace retiring Senator Michael Gianaris.

Education and Political Experience

Raga has completed fellowships at institutions including the CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance, New American Leaders, National Urban Fellows, Cornell Law School, Cornell University Emerging Markets Institute, and Coro New York's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program. His political experience spans two decades: Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Brian Barnwell, Northeast Regional Manager for Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Senior Strategist for Multicultural Leadership at AARP, Member of Queens Community Board 2, and Queens District Attorney’s Advisory Commission for Asian American Affairs. He previously ran unsuccessfully for New York City Council District 26 in 2021 and currently serves on the NY State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Federal Commission on Civil Rights. He has held board positions with organizations like Western Queens Community Land Trust, Queens LGBT Pride, and National Federation of Filipino American Associations .