Bronx

Popular Bronx Senator Resigning to Take City Council Seat

Bronx state senator Ruben Diaz has submitted his official resignation letter, telling Democratic conference leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins that he'll be resigning effective midnight Sunday, Dec. 31. 

He'll be leaving to take the New York City council seat he won in the fall.

Diaz has requested that his local senate office stay open and fully staffed until the position is filled.

"This Senate office serves approximately 50 to 60 constituents daily, therefore, the residents of the 32nd district should not be left without the vital services we have faithfully provided them for the past 15 years," Diaz wrote. 

The outspoken Bronx politician was elected to the state Senate in 2002, after serving as city councilman. The Puerto Rican-born U.S. Army veteran and pastor has often advocated for the large Puerto Rican community in his district and across the city.

His son, Ruben Diaz Jr., has been serving as Bronx borough president since 2009.  

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly indicated Diaz announced his resignation unexpectedly. In fact, he was expected to give up the senate seat in order to join City Council. We regret the error. 

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