Manny De Los Santos holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University at Albany, SUNY. He began his career as a school social worker for the Children's Aid Society and later served in a similar capacity for Counseling in Schools. De Los Santos transitioned to campaign management, overseeing Congressman Adriano Espaillat's re-election campaign. He then held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including as an assistant vice president for the Hamilton Campaign Network and vice president for government relations at MirRam Group. His career culminated in an elected position in the New York State Assembly.

Manny De Los Santos's political identity is marked by a unique blend of community-focused activism and strategic policy advocacy. His legislative efforts in public education and affordable housing reflect a deep commitment to social equity, while his unexpected alignment with environmental goals suggests a nuanced approach to economic development. De Los Santos's rhetorical style emphasizes local impact and communal responsibility, often framing issues through the lens of immediate community benefits. This juxtaposition of progressive environmental stances with community-driven economic initiatives creates a compelling tension that invites further exploration into his policy justifications.