As New York City’s June primary nears, the race for City Council District 14 in the Bronx is shaping up to be one of the most competitive contests in the city.
The district, which covers University Heights, Fordham Heights, Kingsbridge Heights, and Morris Heights, is currently represented by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, a Democrat seeking her first four-year term. Elected in 2021 and 2023 on two-year terms due to redistricting, Sanchez faces two challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary: former Council Member Fernando Cabrera, who represented the district from 2010-2021, and grassroots advocate Bryan Hodge Vasquez.
With no Republican candidates currently filed and given the district’s voting history, the Democratic primary is widely expected to determine its next council member.
Meet the Candidates
Pierina Sanchez
Democrat (Incumbent)
City Council Member, urban planner, affordable housing advocate
Council Member Pierina Sanchez is running for re-election to represent City Council District 14, highlighting a record of legislative action, deep Bronx roots, and a focus on affordable housing and community investment.
Born and raised in the Bronx to Dominican immigrants, Sanchez attended local public schools, graduated from Harvard University, and holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University.
She was first elected in 2021 and currently chairs the Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings. She is a member of the Progressive Caucus and has prioritized affordable housing, childcare, economic development and racial justice.
Before joining the Council, Sanchez worked in local government, served in the Obama White House, and worked as an urban planner with the Regional Plan Association. Her campaign emphasizes her role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped expand testing, distribute protective equipment and organize food delivery systems for Bronx families.
Sanchez is backed by the New York League of Conservation Voters and major labor unions such as the United Federation of Teachers, DC37, and 32BJ SEIU. She leads in campaign fundraising, having raised more than $286,000—$192,534 through public matching funds—and has about $184,810 on hand ahead of the June primary, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
“My family emigrated from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life in the late 1970s and we found it here in the Bronx,” Sanchez told the Bronx Times in a statement. “I grew up watching my family work hard, as taxi drivers, janitors, and street vendors – like my grandpa who sold oranges on a street corner into his 90s.”
Sanchez said her own childhood experience with housing displacement shaped her career in public service. “Even 30 years later, my story is not unique,” she said. “Experiences of abuse of power, being treated with less respect because English is a second language, or because of not having ‘connections’ – have shaped who I am and how I approach the world.”
She also pointed to her wins during her first term, including the expansion of after-school programs across every school in the district, investments in crime prevention and tenant protections, and a key role in securing $220 million in public funding for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.
“I have a consistent record of showing up and delivering for my community’s hardworking families,” Sanchez said. “When re-elected I will continue to fight every day, and win, everywhere for my constituents.”
Fernando Cabrera
Democrat
Pastor, former City Council Member, former mayoral advisor
Fernando Cabrera is a familiar face in Bronx politics, having served as City Council Member for District 14 for 12 years before being term-limited in 2021. Cabrera, a longtime pastor and mental health counselor, is seeking a political comeback, positioning himself as a moderate Democrat with a focus on public safety and economic development.
His campaign highlights his previous record in the Council, where he says he secured record funding for local projects, championed legislation to improve quality of life and advanced community safety initiatives.
“I’m running for City Council because District 14 is in crisis, and we need experienced, proven leadership to get us back on track,” Cabrera said in a statement. “I served 12 years as your City Council Member, and during that time, we didn’t just talk about change—we delivered it. Crime went down by 66%. We brought unemployment down from 23.5%—the highest in the city—to just 5.7%, in our district for schools, housing, youth programs, infrastructure, and public safety.
“While my opponent has focused on photo ops and political agendas, I focus on what matters to you: making our streets safer, keeping rent affordable, investing in youth, protecting our seniors, and delivering services that work. I listen, I act, and I deliver,” he added.
Cabrera also briefly served as a senior faith advisor in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration before leaving the role in 2023, and mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Bronx Borough President in 2021.
As the primary approaches, Cabrera is close behind Sanchez in campaign fundraising. According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Cabrera has raised $214,569, with $182,104 stemming from public fundraising. His campaign coffers hold onto an estimated $129,326 during the final month stretch.
Cabrera, a Bronx native, was born to a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother. He holds a B.A. in Religion from Southern California College, an M.A. in Counseling from Liberty University, and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University.
Bryan Hodge Vasquez
Democrat
Community advocate, grassroots leader
At 24, Bryan Hodge Vasquez is the youngest candidate in the District 14 primary. A Bronx native, Vasquez has worked as an intern and fellow for U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Council Member Shaun Abreu.
Vasquez’s campaign centers on grassroots advocacy, housing justice and fighting corruption. He emphasizes his record of direct action — including organizing food and mask giveaways during the pandemic, helping families facing tragedy, like the William Figuera case, and his experience managing a campaign for State Assembly.
“For over a decade, my community has been crumbling—rents keep rising, grocery prices are out of control and public safety continues to deteriorate,” said Vasquez in a statement to Bronx Times. “That’s why I’m running for City Council in District 14.”
His campaign platform includes priorities such as lowering everyday prices, improving street cleanliness, expanding childcare and education access and supporting small businesses, veterans and marginalized groups.
Vasquez trails Sanchez and Cabrera in campaign fundraising but has still brought in a substantial sum, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. He has raised $141,439 to date—including $111,294 in public funds—and retains approximately $70,920 as he seeks to close the gap with the frontrunners.
He holds a B.A. in Political Science, Public Policy and Management from NYU and a J.D. from Pace University.
New York’s primary election will be held June 24, with early voting scheduled from June 14-22. To find your pollsite, visit vote.nyc.
