New York City has a turnover problem when it comes to our elected officials. In the state legislature, the same politicians occupy offices for decades. The City Council has term limits preventing election to terms totaling more than 8–10 years (varying due to the redistricting calendar). But too frequently, politicians try to reclaim their old seats rather than making way for a new generation of leaders. 

That’s the case this year in District 14 in the West Bronx, where an excellent current council member, Pierina Sanchez, is being challenged by her predecessor, Fernando Cabrera. This case is particularly galling because Cabrera is too conservative to be running as a Democrat in New York City: he is anti-gay and anti-choice, and has failed in previous bids against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress and Vanessa Gibson for Bronx Borough President. Still, his name recognition is high and many voters have fond recollections of his previous tenure as their council member, making this a highly competitive race. (A third candidate, Bryan Hodge has significantly less money and has not garnered institutional support demonstrating viability.)

Beyond the unsuitability of Cabrera for the Council, Sanchez is deserving of reelection in her own right. A lifelong Bronxite, Sanchez is the chair of the housing committee in the council. She was a key leader in securing passage of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan to legalize a little more housing in every neighborhood. She also ensured the plan paired new homes with investments in housing preservation and tenant support as part of “City for All.” On other issues related to the vibrancy and sustainability of city neighborhoods, Sanchez has been a driving force, though her district needs more bus and bike improvements to keep up with other parts of the city. She is far more forward-looking and effective than Cabrera, in addition to being more representative of the basic values of New Yorkers.