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Likely Outcome In Bronx Special Election Will Lead To Female Majority In Borough's Assembly Delegation
By
David Cruz
Published Sep 24, 2021
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Yudelka Tapia
By
David Cruz
Published Sep 24, 2021
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The Bronx Democratic Party's decision to nominate Yudelka Tapia to run for a vacant seat in the Bronx paves the way for her to become the first woman to represent the Assembly district, and sets the stage for a female majority for the Bronx Assembly delegation.
Tapia was nominated by the Bronx Democratic Party on Thursday to appear on the ballot in the special election for the 86th Assembly District on November 2nd. Her nomination in a heavily Democratic district all but guarantees she will skate to victory representing a district covering Fordham, Mt. Eden, Morris Heights, and University Heights. Her victory will make her the sixth female lawmaker of the 11-member Bronx Assembly Delgation.
The largely minority district is marred with comparatively high rates of unemployment, shorter life expectancy rates, and some of the highest eviction rates in the city. Tapia, who serves as a district leader for the same Assembly district, said in a statement the district "has its work cut out for us" especially after the pandemic.
"The Bronx has been underserved and overlooked for far too long, and I’m ready to use my skills and experience to be a voice for this community and fight for the issues that matter to us," Tapia said. "Our district has been hit particularly hard by this pandemic, and I’m ready to fight to secure the relief that our communities need and ensure that COVID recovery plans prioritize the needs of working families, immigrants, and people of color and provide support for our small businesses."
Her nomination comes three months after she lost the primary for the highly sought-after 14th Council District seat, which went to Pierina Sanchez. When she ran for Council, Tapia ran on a progressive platform that advocated for changes to the area median income formulas, promoting homeownership, and fully funding the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Governor Kathy Hochul officially called for a special election on September 17th, a week after Victor Pichardo officially relinquished his seat to spend more time with his family. Under state rules, political parties can decide who will appear on the party's ballot line. The timing of the special election lines up with the November 2nd general election, when New Yorkers will choose the next mayor and who will represent them in the New York City Council.
Tapia's imminent win adds to the political gains made by women in the Bronx, a borough that had previously been criticized as shutting out women. Come January, should Tapia win, the borough's Assembly delegation will join its counterpart in the Council as having a female majority body.
The win for Tapia will also maintain Dominican political power in the borough, which has risen over the years.
Tagged
Politics
election 2021
bronx
David Cruz
David is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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