Joann Ariola

Joann Ariola-Shanks (born June 14, 1958) 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.

Joann Ariola
Ariola in 2025
Minority Leader of the New York City Council
Incumbent
Assumed office February 7, 2025
Preceded by	David Carr
Member of the New York City Council from the 32nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2022
Preceded by	Eric Ulrich
Personal details
Born	(1958-06-14) June 14, 1958 (age 67) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	Adelphi University

Early life

Ariola is a lifelong resident of the 32nd Council District. Born on June 14, 1958, Joann 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 (Old South), P.S. 207 (Rockwood Park), Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Stella Maris High School on the Rockaway Peninsula and Adelphi Business School.^{[citation needed]}

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

See also: 2021 New York City borough president elections § 2020 Queens special election

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,^[1] she handily defeated Singh 67%-32%.^[2][3]

Election history

2021 New York City Council election, District 32 Republican primary & general election^[4]

Primary election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Joann Ariola	2,378	82.0
	Republican	Steve Sirgiovanni	494	17.0
Total votes			2,900	100
General election
	Republican	Joann Ariola	16,910	66.2%
	Democratic	Felicia Singh	8,322	32.6%
	Community First	Kenichi Wilson	223	1.2%
Total votes