Bay Ridge’s two-party system highlights race for Gentile seat
The race to succeed outgoing Councilmember Vincent Gentile is offering a rare opportunity to see the two-party system at work in New York, a rare sight in city politics dominated by Democrats.
In both the Democratic and Republican parties, a strong field of candidates has emerged to run for the seat that Gentile, a Democrat, has held since 2003. The 43rd Council District, which Gentile represents, covers Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights and includes parts of Bensonhurst and Bath Beach. Gentile is prohibited from running for re-election due to the city’s term limits law. He is running for Brooklyn district attorney.
Four Democrats: Justin Brannan, Gentile’s chief of staff; Kevin Peter Carroll, an aide to Councilmember Stephen Levin (D-North Brooklyn); the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, pastor of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church; and Nancy Tong, an aide to Assemblymember William Colton (D-Gravesend-parts of Bensonhurst) are all running in the Democratic Primary on Sept. 12.