Latino Candidates Struggle in East Harlem

New York, NY —

District 8 in Manhattan covers 96th to 110th streets on the upper west side, Randalls Island and a portion of the south Bronx. The majority of the district though lies in East Harlem. Despite that, it’s been difficult for East Harlemites to get one of their own elected into the city council.

In 2001, Phil Reed, a black candidate from the upper west side, barely pulled out a victory over Felipe Luciano, a TV and radio reporter who probably would have won had he not had to compete with two other latino candidates.

With six East Harlemites vying for the spot this year, the same scenario is threatening to play out.