Joseph "Joe" Borelli (born October 25, 1982) is an American politician serving as the Minority Leader of the New York City Council. A Republican, he represents the 51st district, which covers the South Shore of Staten Island.
Early Life and Education Borelli was born and raised on Staten Island, New York. He attended Monsignor Farrell High School, an all-boys Catholic high school in Oakwood, Staten Island. He went on to study at the CUNY College of Staten Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later received a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College.
Career Before his election to the City Council, Borelli worked in various roles within New York politics. He served as Chief of Staff to New York State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis and later as Chief of Staff to former New York City Council Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio.
New York City Council Borelli was first elected to the New York City Council in a special election in November 2015 to fill the vacancy left by Ignizio's resignation. He won the general election for a full term in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021. In January 2022, he was elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as the Minority Leader of the City Council.
As a council member, Borelli has focused on issues pertinent to his district and the city, including public safety, quality of life, fiscal responsibility, and advocating for Staten Island's interests within the larger city government. He is known for his conservative stance on many issues and is a prominent voice for the Republican minority in the predominantly Democratic City Council.