Alex Portelli was raised just outside Albany’s South End in a working-class family alongside his parents and two sisters. From an early age, he witnessed firsthand the cost of standing up for what is right. His parents were active in local politics, challenging the Albany Democratic machine, and the adversity they faced instilled in Alex a lifelong commitment to fairness and accountability.
He attended Albany public schools, where his experiences in an often chaotic and underperforming system shaped his views on education. Attending Philip Livingston Middle School, at the time one of the most troubled schools in the country, left a lasting impression. Those formative years led Alex to believe that local communities, not Washington, are best positioned to make decisions about their children’s education.
At 14, Alex left Albany High School and entered the workforce full-time, starting at a neighborhood Italian deli and later working in local restaurants, including the well-known Restaurant Paradiso on Central Avenue. These early experiences reinforced his belief in the dignity of work and the importance of creating economic opportunities for the next generation.
At 17, Alex followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Although his service was cut short due to a shoulder injury, he was honorably discharged. His time in the military, along with his continued interactions with the VA healthcare system, gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges veterans face and the urgent need for reform in healthcare.
After returning home, Alex faced witnessed the impact of substance abuse on his beloved city of Albany, NY, a challenge affecting many upstate communities. At 23, with the support of his family, friends, and faith, he turned his life around. He returned to work, saved diligently, and opened his own restaurant. By 25, he had built it into a successful business and sold it, using the proceeds to launch an online media company focused on satire, an early entrant in a space that would later grow with outlets like The Babylon Bee and The Onion.
His entrepreneurial success led him into real estate investment across several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Hampshire. Through this work, Alex gained practical insight into how different states manage taxes and affordability, knowledge he believes can help lower property taxes and improve economic conditions in New York.
Alex has also traveled extensively, visiting 57 countries and circling the globe three times. These experiences broadened his perspective while reinforcing his appreciation for the opportunities and freedoms available in the United States.
Despite his time away, Alex has always remained rooted in New York. His parents still reside in Albany, and he owns a 120-acre timber farm in Otsego County. He continues to invest in upstate communities, driven by his belief in the region’s untapped potential.
At 35, frustrated by what he sees as a lack of urgency and bold leadership in addressing inflation, rising taxes, energy costs, and affordability, Alex decided to run for Congress. He is committed to restoring fiscal discipline, reducing the national debt, empowering local communities, and advancing policies that promote long-term economic growth and stability.
