Gene DeFrancis was born, right here, in the Allerton section of the Bronx.

 

He graduated from Columbus High School and was proud to serve in the United States Navy, during Operation Enduring Freedom, as a Cryptologic Technician and Morse Op Specialist. 

Gene DeFrancis graduated from Chaminade University with  a degree in Psychology.  He then went onto graduate from New School University with a Master in Fine Arts.

In 2013, he founded the Allerton International Merchants Association. Leading a team of volunteers,  and building it into a reputable organization. Under his leadership the Association regularly organizes local clean ups and graffiti removal, promotes local events, helps small businesses grow, and has restored the rich history of Allerton.

Gene is a staunch advocate for veterans, supports animal rights, and encourages small business growth and development. Additionally, he has built his campaign platform upon bringing about, much needed, education reform and healthcare reform. He supports our K-8 school system, supports hiring more school counselors to keep our students on the right path, and supports nurturing after school programs and vocational schools to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed and thrive. He will explore alternative methods to steer people away from dangerous painkillers, and will build coalitions that seek to contain and, ultimately, end the opioid epidemic. He supports and will find innovative ways to create jobs within our community and continues to support Bronx entrepreneurs.

​