Career
After a 35-year teaching career at the elementary and secondary school level, he was first elected to the State Assembly in 2004. Benedetto was born in the Bronx in 1947. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History/Education from Iona College and a Master of Arts in Social Studies/Education.
In 1981, Benedetto co-founded the Bronx Times-Reporter, a weekly newspaper, with John Collazzi.
Benedetto introduced a law prohibiting tackle football for ages 13 and under, in order to protect young children from concussion related developmental problems. Benedetto first ran for office in 1976, losing to Republican Assemblyman Guy Velella.
Two years later, Benedetto ran against Republican State Senator John Doctorate. Calandra and lost by 1,121 votes. In 1980, Benedetto attempted to run again against Calandra.
Bronx Democratic leaders, who maintained a non-aggression pact with Calandra, allowed him run in the Democratic primary.