Jeffrey Dinowitz's 30-Year political journey: Assemblyman seeks another term

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has become well-known for his community-first approach, as well as his legislative work to better tenants’ rights and the environment.

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Jeffrey Dinowitz, up for re-election to the assembly this November, has been on the job for 30 years, seven months and 24 days — not that anyone’s keeping track. 

His political journey, however, began long before he was elected to office.

As a teenager, Dinowitz participated in anti-Vietnam War protests and became active in campaigns, though still too young to vote himself. His early involvement with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Independent Democratic club, in Kingsbridge, laid the foundation for his long career in public service. Though he did not originally envision running for office, his love for campaigning, organizing and engaging with the community made it a natural progression.

Elected as a Democratic district leader in 1986, Dinowitz’s career gained momentum amid a turbulent time in Bronx politics, which was marred by scandals and the suicide of the Queens borough president. By 1994, Dinowitz won his assembly seat in a special election, already known for his work on environmental and tenant issues.

His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, particularly as chair of the assembly’s codes committee. Dinowitz credits his seniority for his ability to secure substantial funding for local initiatives, such as a recent $10 million grant for Amalgamated Housing and the Henry Hudson Bridge rebate program for Bronx residents.

Ironically, Dinowitz admitted he’d be least likely to use this rebate, saying he does “everything he can to avoid Manhattan.” He prefers to stay in his district and the Bronx whenever possible. Despite his fondness for Riverdale, Dinowitz considers himself a Bronxite above all, ensuring his district is treated as a unified entity rather than a patchwork of neighborhoods.

When the assembly is in session, Dinowitz said his responsibilities can often feel like two full-time jobs. In Albany, he has passed more than 200 laws, including the first in New York to address human trafficking.

Many of his legislative efforts focus on tenant rights — such as a moratorium on evictions during the pandemic, and a recent law, awaiting the Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature, that prohibits landlords from charging tenants for air conditioning.

Another Dinowitz bill awaiting the governor’s signature is the Climate Change Superfund Act, which aims to make fossil fuel companies pay for the environmental damage they’ve caused.

Within his district, one of Dinowitz’s key strengths, he said, is his deep commitment to community engagement. Whether at small neighborhood gatherings or larger events, he consistently makes his presence felt. At a recent environmental town hall, Dinowitz was the only Bronx official to attend personally, rather than sending a representative.

“People can say what they want about me,” Dinowitz said, “but I show up.”

In recent days that included appearances at the Riverdale Y’s Rosh Hashanah luncheon, Riverdale Neighborhood House’s garden party, a Community Board 12 meeting and a public paper shredding event.

Even those who may not align with him politically, including Republicans, often appreciate his prioritization of community needs over strict ideology. When asked why he has remained in office for so long, Dinowitz’s response is simple: “I like helping people.”

He attributes much of his success to his dedicated staff, including longtime colleagues Randy Martos and Terri Colon, who, with him, address a wide range of constituent concerns — from systemic discrimination to requests for stop signs.

Dinowitz said most of the issues his office deals with are related to housing. 

Nevertheless, he is not shy to give an opinion on topics more controversial in the community. Though he opposed the recent conversion of the Overlook Manor into a migrant shelter, believing it would serve greater Riverdale best as affordable housing, he emphasized the need to support the new residents.

“These are families,” he said. “These are children. I, for one, am not going to be hating children.”

He advocates for ensuring these families receive necessary services, feel safe, find employment and have access to education, including bilingual teachers.

As Dinowitz seeks another term, he said his focus remains on serving the community he’s called home for nearly his entire life, and he intends to continue in this role as long as voters will have him.

In lieu of campaigning for the upcoming election against Republican opponent Kevin Pazmino, Dinowitz has focused his political attention on the Harris-Walz campaign, and has been canvassing in Westchester for Mondaire Jones, who is running to reclaim his congressional seat from Republican Mike Lawler.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dinowitz said: “I’ve been doing this for a long time, but I’m finding that I love the work more than ever, and I feel more energetic than ever.”