Unite Here Local 100 Endorses Jessica González-Rojas for State Senate

Source: JGR

Jackson Heights, NY — Today, UNITE HERE Local 100 announced its endorsement of Jessica González-Rojas for New York State Senate District 13, representing the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, and parts of Rego Park and Forest Hills.

UNITE HERE Local 100 represents thousands of hospitality workers across New York City, including restaurant workers, cafeteria workers, and airport food service workers, many of whom live in the district and play an essential role in keeping the city’s economy running.

Union leaders said their endorsement reflects González-Rojas’ strong partnership with working families and her commitment to fighting for immigrant workers, fair wages, and economic justice.

“Jessica González-Rojas understands the struggles of working people because she has spent her career standing with them,” said Jose Maldonado, President of UNITE HERE Local 100. “Hospitality workers, many of them immigrants and women, need leaders who will fight for dignity on the job, fair pay, and protections for our families. Jessica has proven she is that kind of leader, and we are proud to support her campaign for State Senate.”

“Jessica González-Rojas has shown up for working people in Queens time and again,” said Sussie Lozada, Political Director of UNITE HERE Local 100. “Our members are restaurant workers, airport workers, and cafeteria workers who keep this city running and are long-standing supporters of JGR. We need leaders who understand their struggles and will fight for us in Albany. We believe Jessica will be a powerful advocate for working families.”

González-Rojas thanked the union for its support and highlighted the critical role hospitality workers play in the Queens community. “I am honored to earn the support of the hardworking members of UNITE HERE Local 100,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Democrat for State Senate, District 13. “Restaurant workers, cafeteria workers, and airport hospitality workers are the heart of our neighborhoods and our local economy. They deserve strong advocates in Albany who will stand up for workers’ rights, immigrant protections, and economic opportunity for every family.”

González-Rojas emphasized that her campaign is focused on building a broad coalition of workers, families, and community organizations to deliver real results for Queens.

“In the State Senate, I will continue working hand in hand with labor leaders and workers across our community to strengthen protections for working families and ensure that the people who make our city run can afford to live and thrive here,” she said.

UNITE HERE Local 100 joins a growing coalition of labor and community supporters rallying behind González-Rojas’ campaign as momentum builds in the race for State Senate District 13.

Unite Here’s endorsement adds to the growing labor coalition supporting González-Rojas’ campaign which includes 1199SEIU, HTC, and 32BJ reflecting the importance of organized labor in shaping the future of working families in Queens.

With this support, González-Rojas’ campaign continues to build a broad, grassroots coalition rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and results. Joining a rapidly expanding movement of support for JGR from esteemed leaders like Congress Members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velasquez; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; State Senator Jabari Brisport; Assembly Members Catalina Cruz, Steven Raga, Claire Valdez, Andrew Hevesi, Khaleel Anderson, Emily Gallagher and Phara Souffrant Forrest; City Council Members Shekar Krishnan, Tiffany Cabán, Linda Lee, Julie Won, Jennifer Gutierrez, Chi Ossé, Alexa Avíles, Sandy Nurse and Shahana Hanif; former Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry; and progressive organizations like the Working Families Party, Make the Road Action, and Sunrise Movement NYC; among many, many others. Together, all are fighting for a healthier Queens; and with JGR in the State Senate putting care, equity, and working families first.

The Democratic Primary for State Senate District 13 will be held on Tuesday June 23rd, 2026.

Early voting starts on Saturday, June 13th.