Steven Raga

Raga was born and raised in the borough of Queens in New York City. He grew up in Woodside and was raised by a single immigrant mother who was evicted multiple times.^[1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Policy from Stony Brook University, a Master of Business Administration from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, a Master of Science in healthcare management from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.^[2]

In 2009, Raga founded Filipino American Unity for Progress.^[3] He worked as a senior strategist for AARP,^[4] served as chief of staff for Assemblymember Brian Barnwell for four years and was the northeast regional manager of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Raga has also served as executive director of Woodside on the Move.^[3]

In 2021, Raga ran for the New York City Council in the 26th district.^[5] He was defeated in the Democratic primary election with 3.2% of the vote.^[6]

Raga is a Democrat.^[7] In 2022, he ran for New York State Assembly in District 30.^[3] He was first elected to the Assembly on November 8, 2022,^[4] defeating Republican Sean Lally.^[7] Raga is the first Filipino American to be elected to the New York State Legislature.^[8] He was re-elected in 2024.^[9]

Assembly District 30 includes portions of Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Maspeth in the New York City borough of Queens.^[10]

Raga proposed New York State legislation for the State of New York to install 150 speed cameras to catch drivers who double park their vehicles in New York City only. Drivers who double park their cars will automatically be fined with the new technology when installed.^[11]

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Raga announced he is running for The New York State Senate to replace retiring Senator Michael Gianaris. The announcement was made on the corner of 46th Street and Queens Boulevard underneath the 7 train subway line.^[12]