Ruben Diaz Jr. first entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1997 and is currently serving his second full term as Bronx Borough President. As borough president, he has led the implementation of a “New Bronx” agenda on economic development, housing, education, and public safety. The Bronx has seen over $5.7 billion in new development since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009. This includes more than $600 million in housing and nearly 13,000 new units. Borough President Diaz has proven himself to be a fearless and tireless advocate for justice and equality for all. A staunch defender of the environment, he is a leading voice against environmental racism and injustice and helped lead the fight to restore the Bronx River. The borough president has also implemented several bold health initiatives, including the Bronx CAN – Changing Attitudes Now – program, which aims to make small changes leading to greater health improvements in the long term. He graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York, with a B.A. in political theory. Borough President Diaz is also the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees in civil law from Berkeley College and Mercy College, and a doctoral degree in humane letters from the Metropolitan College of New York. A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Borough President Diaz lives in the Southeast Bronx with his wife and their two sons.