Joann Ariola
Joann Ariola-Shanks is a councilwoman of the New York City Council, representing District 32 which includes Glendale, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad Channel, and the western half of the Rockaway Peninsula. She previously served as the chairwoman of the Queens Republican Party.
Early life
Ariola is a lifelong resident of the 32nd Council District. Born on June 14, 1958, Ariola is the eldest child of a prominent Ozone Park family. During her childhood, the family - including her younger sister and brother - relocated to a new home in Howard Beach. She attended P.S. 63, P.S. 207, Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Stella Maris High School on the Rockaway Peninsula and Adelphi Business School.Political career
Ariola entered into the political arena in 1993 as chief of staff for New York City Councilmember Alfonso C. Stabile. In 1996, Ariola unsuccessfully ran against Audrey Pheffer for a seat in the New York State Assembly.Later, Ariola served as communications director for Councilmember Noach Dear, before unsuccessfully running against Joseph Addabbo Jr. in 2001 for the City Council seat left vacant by Stabile.
Following the unsuccessful 2001 race, Ariola worked under the Bloomberg administration as an Assistant Commissioner with the Community Assistance Unit until 2006, when she entered into the private sector as Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Medisys.
2020 Borough President race
In 2020, Ariola ran for Queens Borough President against Donovan Richards, losing in the special election with 27.72% of the vote.2021 City Council race
Ariola was elected to the NYC City Council in 2021 over Democrat Felicia Singh. Despite many predicting a close race, she handily defeated Singh 67%-32%.Ariola was elected minority leader of the New York City Council in February 2025. Joe Borelli resigned from the City Council to work in the private sector. During the private election, Joe Borelli and Inna Vernikov voted for David Carr. Vicky Paladino, Kristy Marmorato, and Ariola did not show up to vote. Speaker Adrienne Adams intervened in the disputed election. After reviewing the rules of the City Council's internal election process, the speaker determined that a re-election had to take place. The last three New York City Council members were present during the meeting and voted for Ariola as their new leader. The first three members did not show up. Ariola was declared the new leader of the Republican caucus.