Ellen M. Lederer DeFrancesco

BACKGROUND

• Lederer DeFrancesco, 54, of Oceanside, is running on the Democratic Party line in the general election. This is her first bid for public office.
• She earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s and doctorate degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. 
• Lederer DeFrancesco has taught at IS 220 in Brooklyn and Aviation High School in Long Island City.

ISSUES

• Lederer DeFrancesco said she supports codifying reproductive rights into New York’s constitution. 
• She said affordability remains a major issue for New Yorkers, vowing to “work with the unions to create good-paying jobs” while helping to create affordable housing.
• Climate change is a threat to the state, Lederer DeFrancesco said, adding that leaders need to be “more proactive” and actively support a move toward clean energy.