Meet New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Jessica Scarcella-Spanton is the new state senator for New York's 23rd district. She started her political career as an intern in the New York State Assembly, then worked for Senator Diane Savino, who encouraged her to run for office. After working for the MTA, she decided to return to the world of politics and hasn't regretted a single moment. 

Scarcella-Spanton enjoys working on a vast array of issues, including maternal health and supporting veterans and military families. She says people in her district "tell you what they think" better than anywhere else. She enjoys hearing from constituents about what's working and what's not. 

Scarcella-Spanton would take an out-of-town visitor to Enoteca, where the food is prepared by grandmothers from different cultures. Her first job was at a dance wear store.