Olga A. Méndez, First Puerto Rican Woman Elected To U.S. State Legislature, Dead At 84

Olga A. Méndez, First Puerto Rican Woman Elected To U.S. State Legislature, Dead At 83

UPDATE: Mayor Bloomberg's office has released a statement regarding the death of Mendez:

It was with deep sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of my friend and advisor Dr. Olga A. Mendez.... Olga's legacy will live on with all New Yorkers who benefitted from this incomparable woman, who courageously broke barriers and overcame obstacles in her way.

***

Olga A. Méndez, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to a U.S. state legislature, has died at 84, according to unconfirmed reports. BNO News reports that Mayor Bloomberg delivered the news.

Mendez was elected to the New York State Senate in 1978, representing the 28th District. She held this position for 26 years until she was defeated by Democrat Jose M. Serrano.

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