 A member of the Democratic Party, Díaz represented the 32nd district in the New York State Senate from 2003 to 2017; his Senate district included parts of the Bronx neighborhoods of Castle Hill, Parkchester, Morrisania, Hunts Point, Melrose, Longwood, and Soundview.A socially conservative Democrat, Díaz is known for his outspoken opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.Born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Díaz served in the United States Armed Forces beginning in 1960, ultimately obtaining an honorable discharge three years later.