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In congressional districts around the city, primary battles are shaping up, pitting moderates against the left. Then there's Representative Nydia Velázquez's Brooklyn and Queens district, where the fight will be…left vs. further left.
The district lies at the heart of the "Commie Corridor," encompassing neighborhoods including Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Ridgewood, and Bushwick. Velázquez announced last month that she would step down, taking the city's political class by surprise because in Congress, bowing out at the age of 72 is considered early retirement.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso kicked off his campaign for the seat on Thursday, the first candidate to formally enter the race. The Democratic Socialists of America are expected to put up their own candidate and make a strong play for the district, which is one of their best shots to pick up a congressional seat next year.
"The fight must continue. And I'm ready to step up," Reynoso said in a launch video, filmed mostly in Spanish on the south side of Williamsburg where he grew up.
Reynoso is firmly in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, but not a DSA member.