Vito P. Battista (September 7, 1908 – May 24, 1990) was an American politician who served in the New York State Assembly from the 38th district from 1969 to 1974.^[1][2] He ran for New York's 9th congressional district in the 1980 election. He lost to incumbent, Geraldine Ferraro.^[3] He served on the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board under president Ronald Reagan from 1984 until 1987.^[4][5] He died on May 24, 1990, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York at age 81.^[6]

Beginning with the 1957 New York City mayoral race, Battista embarked on the first of what would be over 20 runs for office. He became such a fixture in New York politics, that The New York Times referred to him as “the perennial Batista.”^[7] Battista was known for campaign tactics that attracted media attention, including, at various points parading a camel, an elephant and a monkey through the streets of New York.^[8]

He won his first election, to the New York State Assembly, representing District 38, which covered Brooklyn and Queens, in 1969.^[9]

A main focus of Battista and his United Taxpayers Party was a lifelong opposition to rent control and public housing, and opposition to busing of children as an attempt to achieve school integration.^[10][11]