Herman Badillo

Democrat Representative of New York's 21st district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1929 (85 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2014

Death

First Puerto Rican elected to serve as borough president of The Bronx and as a U.S. Representative.
First Puerto Rican candidate for mayor of a major city in the continental United States.
Experienced a challenging childhood, losing both parents to tuberculosis and moving to New York City at a young age.
Educated at the City College of New York and Brooklyn Law School, graduating at the top of his class.
Held various political positions, including Bronx Borough President and U.S. Congressman, serving on multiple committees.
Instrumental in establishing the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and advocating for job training programs for non-English speakers.
Initially supported bilingual education but later became a vocal opponent, which led to controversy.
Ran for mayor of New York City multiple times but was unsuccessful in securing the nomination.
Served as deputy mayor under Mayor Ed Koch, focusing on labor relations and community outreach.
Transitioned to the Republican Party in the late 1990s and ran for mayor again in 2001, losing to Michael Bloomberg.
Worked in various legal and advisory roles after leaving public office, including positions in the Giuliani administration.
Authored several publications, including a controversial book critiquing the work ethic of Hispanics and advocating for assimilation.
Passed away in 2014 due to congestive heart failure, leaving a legacy as a pioneering figure in Puerto Rican and American politics.