Another Dem throws hat into Ridge/Bensonhurst Council race ring

Democratic District Leader Nancy Tong, the first Asian-American elected official in Brooklyn, has decided to run to succeed City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who is term-limited.

The race was already heating up, with one Democrat, Justin Brannan (a former aide to Gentile) and one Republican, Bob Capano (who currently works for John Catsimatidis managing a Manhattan Gristede’s), having set up campaign accounts.

Other Democrats reportedly eyeing a run are Democratic District Leader Kevin Peter Carroll (an aide to Councilmember Steve Levin), Assemblymember Peter Abbate and the Reverend Khader El-Yateem, the spiritual leader of the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge.

Other Republicans reportedly in the mix include John Quaglione, a long-time aide to State Senator Marty Golden, and Liam McCabe, an aide to Congressmember Dan Donovan, who will be making an announcement on Thursday, February 2 regarding the race.

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo

Tong – the female district leader in the 47th A.D. in Bensonhurst and Gravesend, who took office in 2014 and who is supported by the 47th A.D. Assemblymember, Bill Colton – said she had decided to run is to “bring more diversity into the City Council,” citing “a lack of women in politics,” and to expand her ability to help area residents.

When she took office, she said, “I truly enjoy helping people. It gives me great joy when I am able to help someone and make their life a little better or easier.”

 

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