MEET VANESSA

VANESSA ARONSON is a dynamic leader and dedicated public servant running to represent the 73rd District of the New York State Assembly.

Vanessa has spent her career advocating for our community’s most pressing issues, from affordability and safety to public education, accessibility, and grassroots public engagement. 

Most recently, Vanessa served as the Senior Director of Strategy at the ASPCA, where she worked to protect animals and strengthen our communities. She previously ran for City Council, placing in a close second place and is thrilled to be stepping up once again to serve our community.

Before entering politics, Vanessa was a NYC public school teacher, deeply committed to students, families, and our community. Prior to that, she spent a decade as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, representing our country on the global stage. While at the UN, she negotiated multi-million dollar agreements that provided food assistance to 795 million people—a testament to her ability to deliver real results. Throughout her career, Vanessa has fearlessly lived her values and promoted democracy, safety and security.

A former member of two unions - the UFT and AFSA - Vanessa knows the critical role unions and union members play in keeping our City strong and our economy fair. As a member of the State Assembly, she will be a steadfast voice for labor and working people.

Vanessa is a tireless, tested and trusted champion for the East Side and an experienced organizer and mobilizer in NYC Democratic politics. As the former President of the Lexington Democratic Club, she grew membership by 400% and continues to recruit and empower new East Side voices in the political process and defend our values. Additionally, she serves as a New York County Judicial Delegate and Democratic Committee member, roles that ensure our judiciary and local politics reflect community needs.

Her commitment to service extends beyond politics—she’s also a former Community Board 8 member and previously co-chaired the Tikkun Olam ("social justice") Committee at Park Avenue Synagogue, where she worked to support our most vulnerable neighbors and ensure the community’s voice would be heard. Vanessa’s academic credentials include degrees from University of Chicago and Harvard. Vanessa lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Reid, and their two children.