Braden Tims '26 was handed a proposed bill and a highlighter. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez's legislative director then asked his new legislative assistant to review the text and determine whether or not the senator would be in favor of the bill or opposed.
"How do I know what the senator's position will be?" Braden asked.
"Simple," he was told. "Will it help the people in her district? If so, she'll want to see it."
Last fall, Braden completed the Washington Semester Program. While living and studying in D.C., he interned with the International Rescue Committee where he helped newcomers to the United States resolve various issues, such as applying for public benefits. That experience entirely altered his perspective. He'd like to explore immigration law and is laser focused on advocating for those who desperately need an advocate. He's found an ally in the state senator.
Gonzalez represents District 59, which includes parts of Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. The 29-year-old won her first term in 2022 to become the youngest woman ever elected to the New York Senate. Now, in her second term, she's taken Braden under her wing.
"On my very first day, we had pulled her out of a conference, and she knew who I was. I didn't expect that. Later that day, she asked me to join her in an Assembly meeting. I didn't know I was supposed to have a suit coat, so they stopped me at the door, but the senator got me in."
Braden is learning the structure of bills. He starts with the justification, and he studies what code is being switched, edited, or taken away. He's also meeting with lobbyists and managing excel sheets for the office. Soon, he'll get a crack at drafting a bill himself.
"I really admire the senator. She saw a problem in her district, something she disagreed with, and she ran for office so she could do something about it."
Braden doesn't think his journey will mirror the senator's, but the political science major in the pre-law program is learning all he can, with access and responsibility that will pop off a resume. On Monday, he sat next to the senator in a meeting concerning early intervention in health care. What's next? He's not sure, but if it will help people in the 59th District, Braden and Senator Gonzalez will be listening.
