Several candidates ran as progressive alternatives to Democratic incumbents in this year’s primary, challenging their more experienced counterparts on matters like public and affordable housing, MTA management, and ethics. In the end, though, South Bronx voters helped the incumbents hold on.

Hunts Point native Amanda Septimo will try to unseat Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo in a face-off that pits a 27-year-old, grass roots organizer against an 82-year-old party matriarch whom the challenger says has long been out of touch with her embattled constituents.

A nationwide, youth-led campaign to muzzle gun violence made a stop in Port Morris on Friday, bringing an urgent message to Bronx residents: Vote for change. 

The governor was at Boricua College on July 3 to announce $10 million in state investment for parts of the South Bronx.

Democrat Luis Sepúlveda won a special election for a seat on the State Senate in the 32nd senatorial district last night, easily defeating his two challengers.

“Rezoning and gentrification are one and the same, and they cause displacement,” said a housing advocate from CASA: Community Action for Safe Apartments. “It hurts my heart to see my community members when they’re crying and have nowhere to go.”

Whoever wins the special election will hardly have time to get their seat warm. Another election will follow in the fall, for the two-year term that starts next January.

A citywide government program called Participatory Budgeting allows citizens to vote on how the local council member will spend part of his money – up to $1 million — in the district.