Julia Salazar

Julia Salazar (born December 30, 1990) is an American politician and activist. She is the New York State Senator for the 18th district, which covers much of northern Brooklyn, centered on Bushwick. She won the seat as a first-time candidate after unseating incumbent Senator Martin Malave Dilan in the Democratic Party primary in 2018. She attracted national media attention for her support for sex workers' rights and other views. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, she became the first member of the organization to serve in New York's state legislature. Salazar was the first candidate (primary and general) and non-political office holder elected to the New York State Legislature who was endorsed by The Democratic Socialists of America prior to getting elected in the year 2018.