The Democratic Primary for New York City Council elections is less than four months away. It’s been awhile since we updated the campaign for the Council seat in District 1, so here’s the latest.
Incumbent Margaret Chin is running for a third term representing Lower Manhattan, including the Lower East Side. She faces three challengers. Just last night, Downtown Independent Democrats (DID), a political club, chose to back one of her opponents, lifelong LES resident Christopher Marte. The vote was widely expected from a club that has been at odds with Chin over issues such as NYU’s expansion plan for many years.
Marte also received the endorsement of Village Independent Democrats, while Chin has been backed by the Truman Democratic Club (centered on and around Grand Street) and United Democratic Organization, which is based in Chinatown. Chin won the support of CoDA, as well, a club based in the East Village. The Lower East Side Democratic Club, which covers developments such as Knickerbocker Village and the Alfred E. Smith Houses, has yet to make an endorsement decision. Longtime club leader John Quinn told us today that members are split, although he expects the majority of the club to support Chin.
There was a recent campaign finance filing deadline. According to the Campaign Finance Board, Chin has raised $97,336 with $71,544 in her account. Marte has raised $69,324 with $56,519 in hand. Aaron Foldenauer has brought in $21,942 with a balance of $9.627. Dashia Imperiale, who only recently joined the race, has raised $12,347. During the last reporting period in March, Marte had more than Chin in the bank, but she has now rebounded.
The candidates will be taking part in more candidate forums as election day approaches. At a recent question and answer event in Tribeca, Chin came under assault from all of her challengers over a range of issues, including her support for building affordable senior housing on the site of the Elizabeth Street Garden.
More to come as the summer political season heats up.
