Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo has recently endorsed Rafael Salamanca for the upcoming special election to fill her daughter’s Councilmanic District 17 seat.
“The leadership that Salamanca has already demonstrated as a community leader makes me confident he is the best choice,” said Arroyo of her decision.
The assemblywoman is heading up a group of about 50 influential women in the Bronx who are throwing their support behind his candidacy, by forming ‘Women for Salamanca’.
These women plan to boost Salamanca’s woman’s vote over the other nine candidates by going door to door to elicite support.
Ryan Monell, the spokesperson for the Salamanca campaign, said the idea for the group came through shared values and was a mutual idea between the campaign and the women who advocate for the candidate.
“Arroyo has always been a supporter of Rafael…it was a joint effort and joint idea, we have a number of women who are excited, and want to see him elected,” said Monell.
Jacqueline Acevedo, a business woman active in the group said she got involved because Salamanca cares about women-owned businesses like her own.
“I know firsthand what he has done so far, there’s a track record, and he puts the women platform ahead,” she said.
Salamanca has already received the backing of the Bronx County Democratic Party and on January 26, he received the endorsement of the entire NYC council delegation from the Bronx, including council members Jimmy Vacca, Fernando Cabrera, and Ritchie Torres.
Salamanca currently serves as district manager of Community Board 2.
In the first filing which covers all funds raised up until January 11, Salamanca reported raising $49,715.
In addition the campaign raised $5,070 in small donations which qualify for the city’s Matching Funds Program, leaving Salamanca with over 80 grand to launch his campaign – the largest warchest of any candidate.
Amanda Septimo, the youngest candidate running, has raised $28,000, making her a serious candidate.
A debate between all the candidates took place on Wednesday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m at Pregones Theater and was streamed live online at Bronx
The special election for Councilmanic District 17 will take place Tuesday, February 23.
The district includes Longwood, Hunts Point, Crotona Park, Concourse, Concourse Village, Melrose, Morrisania, Mott Haven, North Brother Island, Parkchester, Port Morris, and Soundview.
