It would be impossible to follow New York City politics and not be aware of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is currently raising a family in the same neighborhood on the south side of Williamsburg where he grew up. The 42-year-old career politician co-founded the progressive political organization New Kings Democrats when he was 22 years old, served two terms in the New York City Council from 2013 to 2021 representing New York City's 34th District, and then succeeded Eric Adams in the BP's seat.
But now, Reynoso has his sights set on the national stage, mounting a bid for Congress against two other progressives with similar policy platforms: State Senator Claire Valdez and City Councilmember Julie Won. The three politicians are vying to represent NY-7, a district well within the "Commie Corridor" that covers Reynoso's native Williamsburg, as well as Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Bushwick, Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, East New York, East Williamsburg, Fort Greene, and Greenpoint.
Reynoso was the first candidate to announce his bid back in December; he's been endorsed by Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who held the seat for 13 years and whose imminent retirement freed it up, along with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, several progressive City councilmembers like Sandy Nurse, Crystal Hudson, and Lincoln Restler, and organizations like the Hotel and Trades Commission, Make the Road Action, and New York Communities for Change. Sounds like a lock, right? Wrong, thanks to a significant hole in Reynoso's network of support: NYC-DSA and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have both thrown their weight behind Valdez's campaign (to the noted displeasure of Velázquez).
Still, Reynoso told Hell Gate he believes his experience—both as a native New Yorker and a politician—set him apart from the pack. "I talk about my experiences as a young boy growing up in the southside of Williamsburg, and how that truly is my north star," he said. "I'm not a fluff elected official. I'm not one that needs a ton of pats on the back. I just get the work done, and that is something that no one ever has to worry about. If Antonio said it, he will do it. People want elected officials that can follow through on the promises and the commitments they're making during campaigns." We spoke to the borough president about how to stay positive in such a close race, what voters can glean from his legislative track record, and what changed when he took over at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.