Ruslan Shamal came to America alone from Belarus, a communist country with little more than the belief that hard work should matter. He started at the bottom, working blue-collar jobs, built a small business, and earned the trust of thousands of listeners as a longtime radio host.

When his daughter was born, Ruslan chose Staten Island for the same reason so many families do: stability, safety, and community. Today, he lives in Staten Island, works in Brooklyn, and understands firsthand the challenges facing both sides of the district.

Ruslan is running for New York State Senate to bring common sense back to Albany, protect public safety, and stand up for working families who feel ignored.