The New York City congressional delegation is having a moment. Its newest member, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, became a movement leader before her 30th birthday. Hakeem Jeffries, a high-ranking Brooklyn Democrat, could someday replace Nancy Pelosi if he whips the votes together. Jerry Nadler and Eliot Engel, of Manhattan and the Bronx, chair two of the House's most powerful committees, judiciary and foreign affairs.
City councilman Rubén Díaz Sr.—a cowboy hat–wearing Pentecostal reverend and the father of the current Bronx borough president with the same name—wants to join their ranks, and with a Democratic primary coming up next year, he has his shot. New York's 15th congressional district, which covers much of the South Bronx, including Yankee Stadium, will soon be up for grabs: José Serrano, the longtime incumbent, announced his retirement earlier this year, citing his struggle with Parkinson's disease.
For New York City's political class, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: a vacant House district, with no natural successor and no true power broker to dissuade insurgents. And the June 2020 Democratic primary will effectively determine the next representative.
Read Full Article »