Joseph C. Borelli

Joseph C. Borelli is an American politician and attorney serving as the Minority Leader of the New York City Council and as the council member for the 51st district. A member of the Republican Party, he represents the South Shore of Staten Island, succeeding Vincent Ignizio in a 2015 special election. Borelli is known as a staunch ally of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and has been a prominent conservative voice on issues ranging from law enforcement to fiscal policy within the Government of New York City.

Early life and education

Joseph Borelli was born and raised in the Annadale neighborhood of Staten Island. He attended St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School before pursuing higher education at St. John's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics. He remained at St. John's University School of Law to obtain his Juris Doctor degree. During his university years, Borelli became actively involved in Republican politics, interning for then-Congressman Vito Fossella and working on the 2004 Republican National Convention held in New York City.

Political career

Borelli began his professional political career as a legislative aide to New York State Assemblyman Lou Tobacco. He later served as the Director of Communications for New York City Councilman Vincent Ignizio. In February 2015, following Ignizio's resignation to lead Catholic Charities of Staten Island, Borelli won a special election to succeed him, defeating Democratic candidate Janine Materna. In the New York City Council, he has served as the Chairman of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management and as a member of the Committee on Public Safety. In January 2022, following the retirement of Steven Matteo, the Republican caucus of the New York City Council selected Borelli to serve as Minority Leader.

Electoral history

In the 2015 special election for the 51st Council District, Borelli ran on the Republican and Conservative lines, securing victory. He was subsequently re-elected in the 2017 general election, facing only minor-party opposition. Borelli won re-election again in the 2021 election, defeating Democratic candidate Olivia Drabczyk. His campaigns have consistently focused on issues such as support for the New York City Police Department, opposition to bail reform in New York, and property tax relief.

Political positions

Borelli is a fiscally and socially conservative Republican. He has been a vocal critic of Mayor Bill de Blasio's policies, particularly regarding the New York City Police Department and Rikers Island. He opposes congestion pricing in New York City and has advocated for the removal of Mayoral control of New York City schools. Borelli strongly supported the administration of President Donald Trump, endorsing his re-election bid. He has also been a leading local voice against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and in favor of preserving historical monuments like the Christopher Columbus statue in Manhattan.

Personal life

Borelli resides in the Huguenot neighborhood of Staten Island with his wife, Megan, and their two children. He is a practicing Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Outside of politics, he has worked as an attorney at law and is a frequent commentator on NY1 and Fox News. Borelli is also an avid supporter of Yankees baseball and the New York Rangers.

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:New York City Council members Category:Republican Party members of the New York City Council Category:Politicians from Staten Island Category:St. John's University (New York City) alumni Category:St. John's University School of Law alumni