Affiliated Political Party: Republican
Office seeking: NYS Senate (NYS District 42)
Career Highlights:
- Gina Arena was born and raised in a working-class Westchester family, and grew up in Bedford, then Pound Ridge and Vista. Being a working mother with eight children (ages 15 to 32), Gina always understood the need to balance work and family while volunteering in the community.
- Public service was an important value taught by her father, Ray Andretta. Her husband Jim is a volunteer firefighter and her daughter Victoria was an Army Sergeant who served in Afghanistan, so it clearly runs in the family.
- Gina’s own community activism started early with Girl Scouts, and continued throughout her life.
- When Gina’s autistic daughter Jesse wasn’t getting the education she needed, Gina researched cutting edge educational programs and developed a program for her. As a direct result, Gina helped create the Foundation for Educating Children with Autism and the Devereux Millwood Learning Center.
- When her son Jimmy died from brain cancer at age 6, Gina and her husband established the Just Imagine Making Miracles Yours (JIMMY) Foundation in his memory. This organization helps children suffering from life-threatening diseases and/or injuries with financial assistance.
Governing Philosophy:
- Cut taxes & make our communities more affordable
- Help businesses thrive & create good-paying jobs
- Keep our community safe
- Support our schools
- Protect our environment
Main focus of term, if elected:
- Gina Arena is running for the State Senate because she wants to bring new jobs and economic growth to the Hudson Valley, improve local schools and public transportation, and make our streets and communities safer for everyone.