Redrawn NYC Council district puts Democratic socialist Alexa Avilés to the test
In the heart of New York City, Council District 38 is gearing up for a political contest between two candidates vying for the seat. Incumbent Alexa Avilés, a Democratic socialist, is facing off against moderate Democrat Ling Ye.
Alexa Avilés, a well-known figure in local politics, has been endorsed by various progressive groups, labor unions, and politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Known for her emphasis on constituent support services, particularly to immigrant communities, she has been a strong advocate for the district's diverse population.
Ling Ye, a former staffer for Carlos Menchaca, Nydia Velázquez, and Dan Goldman, brings a unique perspective to the race. Backed by a real estate lobby PAC and a pro-Israel PAC, Ye has a message that could appeal to more moderate voters and a foothold in the district's large Chinese American community.
Ye immigrated to the U.S. from China as a teenager, and her mother worked in a garment factory and then as a street vendor. This personal background has undoubtedly shaped her understanding of the district's needs and concerns.
The district, divided into four main areas - Red Hook, South Slope, Sunset Park (historically Puerto Rican), Bensonhurst (with a large Chinese population), and Dyker Heights - has undergone a change in its demographic makeup. The district was redrawn to include whiter and more moderate parts of Dyker Heights.
In the last competitive primary in 2021, Avilés performed best in the white and Latino neighbourhoods in Red Hook and Sunset Park, while Yu Lin, a moderate Chinese American candidate, performed best in the more heavily Chinese parts of Sunset Park.
Ye, who is well-funded and has experience on the ground in the district, presents a formidable challenge to Avilés. However, the incumbent has the advantage of having not faced a competitive primary since the district was redrawn.
The election in Council District 38 will take place in June. Both candidates, Avilés and Ling, seem to be running on issues rather than ideology, with their top three priorities being affordability, public safety, and education.
In a recent candidate forum hosted by APA Voice, Avilés named public education as her top priority, while Ling stated her priority as making the city budget work better, naming education spending as the first example.
It's worth noting that no information about a candidate being named by APA Voice to their top three priorities for the district’s future is available in the provided sources.
Trip Yang, a Democratic strategist, has donated to Avilés' campaign and stated that both candidates are attuned to the community's most pressing concerns.
Avilés has passed environmental bills that could have a local impact, such as mandating a city redesign of truck routes and restricting vehicle idling near city parks. This commitment to sustainability could be a deciding factor for voters concerned about the environment.
The race between Avilés and Ye promises to be a close one, with both candidates offering different perspectives and solutions for the district's future. The election in June will undoubtedly be a significant event in the political landscape of New York City.
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