Rafael Salamanca

Rafael "Ralph" Salamanca Jr. (born July 2, 1980) is the Council member for the 17th District of the New York City Council.He is a Democrat. The district includes portions of Concourse Village, East Tremont, Hunts Point, Longwood, Melrose, Morrisania, Port Morris, and West Farms in The Bronx.

Salamanca was born and raised in The Bronx to parents from Puerto Rico.His father worked the docks at the Hunts Point Market while his mother was an administrative worker in healthcare. Salamanca did not finish high school, but did receive his high school diploma equivalency certificate and subsequently earned an associate degree from Monroe College.

A lifelong resident of the South Bronx, Salamanca began his career working as an administrative assistant for a healthcare services provider, and later went on to organize surrounding healthcare issues in both The Bronx and Brooklyn, including in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with future-New York City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso.

Salamanca would go forth to become a member of Bronx Community Board 2, where he would advocate for issues in the Hunts Point and Longwood neighborhoods. He would eventually become the District Manager for the board, and also go on to serve as the President of the 41st Precinct Council. He would gain citywide attention for his work as the Community Board Manager for shutting down strip clubs in the community that were havens for criminal activity.

In 2015, Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo resigned from her seat on the City Council to take a position. Salamanca entered the race for the special election to replace her. In a six-way Democratic primary election, Salamanca would win with 39% of the vote. He was sworn into office on March 8, 2016.

Salamanca will need to run in November 2016 to finish Arroyo's term, and is eligible to serve on the Council until the end of 2025.