Dr. Alex Blanco: 1st Dominican-American Mayor in U.S.

In another political breakthrough this cycle, voters of Passaic, New Jersey elected Dr. Alex Blanco -- the first Dominican-American mayor in the United States.

The Dominican American National Roundtable estimates that there are currently 36 Dominican-born elected officials in the United States.

"I'm very excited, putting the Dominican Republic on a high pedestal, and being a role model for young Dominicans and other nationalities. (To) let them know that if you work hard, you can achieve your dream." Dr. Blanco

The father of three moved to Passaic in 1981 with his mother and two siblings from La Vega, in the Dominican Republic.

Financially, the Blanco family struggled -- including being on food-stamps during part of his childhood. It was the Passaic School Board that paid for Blanco to take the SAT college-admissions test. He went on to graduate from Kean University and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

"All you need is the desire to do something," Blanco said.

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