Demolition Donkey

Democratic contenders dash to the finish in a handful of bruising primaries

This isn’t a primary season for the fainthearted.

With redistricting scuttling the maps and an early summer congressional primary date scrambling turnout expectations, several longtime members of the House have bowed out of office or are staring down spirited challenges.

In the downstate region, a handful of contentious primaries have pit Democrat against Democrat in a high-stakes intraparty battle royale.

Over the following pages, City & State takes you inside the political arena for an up-close, no-holds-barred look at the congressional races everybody’s talking about, as they speed to their exciting conclusion.

We bring you NY-8, where controversial Councilman Charles Barron has shocked the political establishment by staying close to Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries in a race Jeffries was expected to run away with.

NY-6, where Rep. Gary Ackerman’s retirement has sparked a clash between Assembly members Grace Meng and Rory Lancman, and Councilwoman Liz Crowley.

NY-7, where Rep. Nydia Velázquez is trying to fend off a slew of challengers that may or may not have been sent to take her out her by Brooklyn boss Vito Lopez.

NY-13, where an unsung newcomer aims to muscle his way into the epic showdown between Rep. Charlie Rangel and State Sen. Adriano Espaillat.

And NY-18, where all bets are off in the fight for the right to knock out Republican Rep. Nan Hayworth.

So strap on your helmet, pick a district, and get ready to rumble. It’s time for Demolition Donkey!

For related articles, click below:
Velázquez Versus Vito
The Third Man
In Hudson
The Outside Game
Up For Grabs