Two New York Assembly staffers hope to succeed their Democratic bosses in special elections and both are challenged by Republicans in the Bronx districts.
Democrat Vanessa Gibson faces Republican Barbara Bowland and Conservative Joel Rivera in the 77th Assembly District. The seat had been held by Democrat Aurelia Greene since 1982 in the Democrat-controlled Assembly.
In the 85th Assembly District, Democrat Marcos Crespo faces Republican Leopold Paul. The seat was held by Ruben Diaz Jr. since 1997.
Diaz was chosen to be the Bronx borough president in April and he picked Greene as his deputy. Diaz replaces Adolfo Carri Don, now President Barack Obama’s urban policy director.
The 77th district covers Highbridge and Morrisania. The 85th district is the Soundview area.