Rafael Espinal was born to Dominican immigrants and raised in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. He attended public schools, earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Queens College, and taught Adult Literacy courses before joining the staff of Council Member Erik Dilan. In 2011, Rafael was elected to the NYS Assembly, where he fought in support of reforms to healthcare and immigration. In 2014, Rafael was sworn in as the Council Member for the 37th District. Rafael serves as the Chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee and has worked to reduce burdensome regulations and fines on small businesses and support legislation that protects consumers.