New Ruben Diaz Sr. Democratic Club

By Robert Press

Thursday morning the new Ruben Diaz Sr. Democratic Club opened as a headquarters for Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. for Congress. The Democratic Club is located in the 15th Congressional District which will become an open seat in 2020 as current Congressman Jose Serrano has announced that he will not seek re-election due to advancing Parkinson's Disease. There have been several candidates who have announced their intentions to run, and the top three cadidates in order of announcement dates are current City Councilman Ritchie Torres, current City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., and Assemblyman Michael Blake.

Each of the three bring different qualities to the race. Councilman Torres is openly gay, Councilman Diaz Sr. Is a Pentecostal Minister opposed to gay marriage, and Assemblyman Blake is currently a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Of the three only Councilman Torres will be term limited out of office in 2021. Because of that Councilman Torres has also been named as a possible candidate for Bronx Borough President in 2021 when the office becomes vacant. Current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will also be term limited out in 2021, and has announced his intentions to become the first Hispanic Mayor of New York City.

Councilman Diaz Sr. has come under fire during his time in the State Senate and now in the city council for his strong family values and opposition to Gay Right's legislation. Assemblyman Blake comes off a loss in the recent Special Election for Public Advocate, but won all the Assembly Districts in that election in which he was the only candidate from the Bronx. Councilman Torres is the least known of the three in the 15th Congressional district.
Photo 1 – Club President George Alvarez speaks to thecrowd at the opening of the Ruben Diaz Sr. Democratic Club.