Rafael Salamanca - Wikipedia

Rafael Salamanca Jr. - Ballotpedia

Rafael has an associate's degree from Monroe College. He is married to Jessenia Aponte and has two children. Rafael was raised in the Bronx. 

Before taking public office, Rafael served in various administrative roles in the healthcare industry.

Rafael Salamanca is a New York City Council member for the 17th District. He was first elected in 2016 and is currently serving his fifth term. 

Believes in bringing good jobs that pay a living wage to the Bronx.

- Believes in bringing good jobs that pay a living wage to the Bronx.

Economy

Rafael Salamanca Jr. on why he's running for Bronx BP - City ...

As a city councilman, secured funds for community boards to purchase necessary equipment, including high-quality video conferencing systems.

Believes community boards are "the voices of what I call the first level of government, and ensure that those voices are heard."

- As a city councilman, secured funds for community boards to purchase necessary equipment, including high-quality video conferencing systems.
- Believes community boards are "the voices of what I call the first level of government, and ensure that those voices are heard."
- Opposes asking for the mayor to resign.

Public Services

Councilman Salamanca's run for Bronx Borough President | The ...

As a city council member, approved more than 8,000 affordable housing units.

Supports the construction of affordable housing.

As a city council member, spearheaded a special permit process for last-mile facilities to ensure community input and environmental advocacy.

As a city council member, spearheaded a special permit process for last-mile storage and shipping facilities to ensure community input and environmental advocacy.

Opposes the construction of new shelters in the South Bronx, including a "controversial 2,200-bed migrant facility currently under construction..."

- As a city council member, approved more than 8,000 affordable housing units.
- Supports the construction of affordable housing.
- As a city council member, spearheaded a special permit process for last-mile storage and shipping facilities to ensure community input and environmental advocacy.
- Opposes the construction of new shelters in the South Bronx, including a "controversial 2,200-bed migrant facility currently under construction..."

Housing & Urban Development

As of April 24, 2025, Rafael Salamanca’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Believes in improving schools to ensure children receive a quality education.

- Believes in improving schools to ensure children receive a quality education.

Education

Public Safety

Healthcare

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Rafael Salamanca

As a city council member, championed public safety and job creation.

Believes in bringing "good jobs that pay a living wage" to the Bronx and improving school education.

As a city council member, presented a $7.47 million check to the Hunts Point Recreation Center to support upgrades and renovations.

Opposes the construction of a 2,200-bed migrant facility in the South Bronx, saying the borough is "oversaturated with shelters."

Plans to address construction issues in Hunts Point, including dangerous walkways, noise, and MTA service disruptions.

Believes in ensuring safe streets to protect future generations.

- Borough Presidents serve as advocates for their respective boroughs, advising the mayor and city agencies on borough-specific needs and priorities. ​
- By influencing budget allocations and land use decisions, Borough Presidents can directly impact the development and quality of life in their boroughs.
- Borough Presidents are elected to four-year terms and can serve up to two consecutive terms. ​
- The annual salary for a Borough President is $179,200. ​