The eighth district spans upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, and has been a historic source of council leadership. Former speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito represented the district, and her staffer Diana Ayala succeeded her in the seat, rising to the role of deputy speaker. Now, with Ayala termed out, there is a competitive four-way race to succeed her, including a staffer of her own.

That candidate is Elsie Encarnacion, chief of staff to Ayala and the best choice for the district. Encarnacion, an East Harlem native, has served in multiple public service roles and has the backing of labor unions, the Working Families Party, local and citywide Democratic Clubs, issue groups including pro-housing Open New York, and elected officials—including nine other councilwomen of color who would serve alongside her in the chamber next year. While that candidate profile often reflects establishment views, Encarnacion appreciates the housing, transit, resiliency, and government effectiveness challenges facing the city and will be a strong asset in a forward-looking body. 

Three other candidates are mounting serious bids for the seat. Wilfredo Lopez, a director at the Urban Resource Institute, was a staffer for former Upper East Side council member Ben Kallos after working as a prosecutor. Clarisa Alayeto is the chair of Bronx Community Board 1, the local body made up of volunteer appointees tasked with representing the neighborhood in city decision-making. Raymond Santana is a recent arrival to the district hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow member of the “Exonerated Five” Yusef Salaam in election to the City Council. Santana is not seriously engaged with local politics and has not qualified for the public matching funds (which come from receiving many donations from grassroots supporters) or received other support. 

Alayeto and Lopez have both qualified for matching funds and are running serious races, though Alayeto was nearly kicked off the ballot after her nominating petitions were challenged by the Super PAC backing Lopez. That Super PAC, Ending Homelessness & Building a Better NYC, is solely funded by Wall Street financier Michael Jenkins to the tune of $1.6 million, and its political goals are unclear. Lopez deserves praise for a transportation plan that focuses on traffic calming, improved infrastructure, and expanded bus service; Alayeto has not appeared to release policy plans. Ultimately, however, Encarnacion is the best choice.