New York City Council elections, 2017 thread

[Suburbia]

New York City is the most powerful city in the world. Period. With that, the City Council of NYC makes decisions that could affect national policy. It is a very progressive body, with only 3 Republicans in the Council.

One of the most important Council races is to replace 43rd District City Councilman Democrat Vincent Gentile, who served the Bensonhurst-Bay Ridge area since 2003. He's term limited, and also controversial. He is facing a lawsuit from an autistic former staffer accusing him of mocking him because of his disabilities. Some people in the area want Gentile to step down, but he is term limited.


http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/councilman-vincent-gentile-tormented-autistic-aide-10m-lawsuit-article-1.2900929

http://www.bensonhurstbean.com/2016/08/heres-might-running-city-council-district-43/

Leftist protester Linda Sarsour, who is well-known nationally, may run for the Bay Ridge seat. Bay Ridge has a growing Arab population, but it is still a Irish and Italian blue collar enclave.

[Progressive]

Justin Brannan, a former Gentile aide is also running for that seat.

Interestingly, Francisco Moya just registered a city account. May possibly take on Julissa.

[Suburbia]

In the 43rd Council District, which includes Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Bensonhurst, a conservative-leaning, but growing more swing area, has a lot of candidates running for this seat. I think that this district will be one of the most watched City Council races. Trump and Clinton performed well in this area of NYC.

Justin Brannan is the frontrunner for the Democrats here. However, Linda Sarsour, and another Arab-American may enter this competitive race.

http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/1/18/justin-brannan-raises-57000-council-run

https://bklyner.com/four-candidates-ramp-campaigns-replace-gentile-city-council/

[Suburbia]

Justin Brannan, a former Gentile aide is also running for that seat.

Interestingly, Francisco Moya just registered a city account. May possibly take on Julissa.

Assemblyman Moya wants to leave Albany because of low money. The salary is not enough.

Ferraras may be the next City Council speaker. Mark-Viverito is term-limited.
http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2017/01/27/city-council-members-could-face-more-primary-challenges-from-sitting-state-assembly-members.html