Rinaldi’s Campaign Focuses on Giving Voice to the Overlooked Voter
Jonathan Rinaldi is campaigning for New York’s Assembly District 28 as a voice for the “forgotten voter.”
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In a race that has ignited passions and highlighted local concerns, Jonathan Rinaldi is making his mark as the Republican candidate for New York’s Assembly District 28, which encompasses Middle Village, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, and Glendale. A lifelong resident of Queens, Rinaldi has deep roots in the community, having attended local Forest Hills schools and now raising three children, aged 19, 16, and 12, in the same neighborhood he calls home.
Rinaldi’s platform is centered on key issues such as health and human services, youth education and child welfare, public safety, infrastructure, and zoning.
Rinaldi’s campaign emphasizes the importance of planning and community development in his approach to governance.
One of Rinaldi’s most notable legislative disagreements is with the proposal of Bill A6761, which addresses medical decision-making, alongside A2905, which seeks to countermand vaccine mandates. He has also voiced strong opposition to what he describes as ideological impositions regarding transgender issues and college vaccine mandates.
Rinaldi’s conviction that “our rights are granted by God” reflects his broader belief in personal freedoms, especially concerning parental rights in education and healthcare decisions.
“I believe the money should follow the student. A parent who pays taxes and contributes should have choices—religious, home, charter. There shouldn’t be a monopoly on education,” he said, advocating for funding that supports parents’ choices in homeschooling and religious instruction.
Despite his ambitions, Rinaldi’s journey has not been without hurdles. He was not endorsed by the Republican Party, leading him to gather signatures independently to qualify for the ballot. This effort reflects his determination to represent what he describes as “the forgotten voter.”
“I’m appealing to the forgotten person/voter,” Rinaldi said. “I want to make sure that everyone is aware of what’s being written, what policies are being written, what legislation is being presented.”
The political landscape of Assembly District 28 is also marked by pressing issues like migration and housing. Rinaldi has been critical of the city’s approach to accommodating migrants.
“We don’t have a housing problem, we have an illegal alien housing problem because we don’t have any place to put them,” Rinaldi said. “The city can’t afford to house the illegals, so they’re going to be putting them on Section 8.”
He argues that the city is overwhelmed and cannot afford to house undocumented immigrants, thereby exacerbating the existing housing crisis. His focus on Section 8 housing policies highlights a broader concern about the allocation of resources in an already strained system.
His platform prioritizes health, education, public safety, and housing, emphasizing parental rights and community accountability while criticizing current policies on migration and education funding.
As a member of the Central Queens Republican Club in Forest Hills, Rinaldi is actively engaging with local civic groups and community boards. He emphasizes the need for residents to be informed about legislative actions and holds elected officials accountable for their decisions.
Rinaldi’s commitment to public safety is deeply personal. He recounts a recent incident involving a friend who was carjacked at gunpoint in Forest Hills, a moment that has fueled his desire to create a safer environment for families. Rinaldi envisions a community where crime is significantly reduced.
“Children should be able to walk down the street without fear,” Rinaldi said.
In his vision for the future of District 28, Rinaldi hopes to foster an environment where parents have full control over their children’s education and healthcare decisions, including vaccination choices. He criticizes the current administration for overreach and advocates for shrinking the size of government.
“I want parents to have 100 percent decision on vaccines and other medical choices,” Rinaldi said. “We need to shrink the size of the government if possible.”
Rinaldi’s connection to his Jewish heritage also shapes his outreach efforts. He is particularly focused on engaging the Jewish community in his district, stressing the importance of understanding the implications of current political dynamics on Israel and Jewish interests.
Looking ahead, Rinaldi has his sights set on more than just winning the election. He is also eyeing potential opportunities to succeed Robert Holden on the City Council, advocating for a proactive approach to governance that prioritizes community needs. He has been vocal about the necessity for the immediate resignation of Republican chair Tony Nunziato, asserting that he does not deserve to be in that seat if he cannot effectively represent constituents.
“You do not deserve to be in that seat,” Rinaldi said. “When someone is going to vote in favor of city policies that nobody wants, they need to be held accountable.”
As the election date approaches, Jonathan Rinaldi remains focused on rallying support and ensuring that the voices of Queens residents are heard. His blend of local advocacy, personal experience, and professional expertise paints a picture of a candidate determined to bring change to Assembly District 28. In his own words, he aims to “appeal to the forgotten person/voter,” and he is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
