Embattled Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera Defeated in Primary

In the Bronx’s most heated and intriguing political race this fall, challenger Mark Gjonaj defeated embattled Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera in the 80th Assembly District primary by a comfortable margin, according to results released by the Associated Press. In this heavily Democratic district, which includes parts of Norwood, Allerton, Morris Park and Pelham Gardens, Gjonaj will almost certainly be elected to office when voting for the general election happens on Nov. 6.

Bronx Primary Day Thread (Updated)

Primary Day is upon us here in the northwest Bronx and throughout New York state. Because our borough is so heavily Democratic, this is our de facto election day, which means it’s BIG DEAL. You will be deciding who represents our communities in Albany for the next two years. Throughout the day, we’ll be stopping by a few polling sites to see how things are going, what turnout is like, if there are any problems with the voting machines, etc. We’ll post a few stories on top of this, but this post is an opportunity for readers to weigh in about their experiences at the polls and talk about politics — the candidates, the races, the issues, whatever. This is your forum. Just click on the comments section and fire away. I’ll be collecting the comments and publishing some of them in next week’s print edition. Happy voting!

Bronx End Notes Before State Primaries

With about 13 hours until polls open, here are some quick updates, notes and thoughts before the Sept. 13 primary.

In Norwood, A Sharp Contrast Between Voter Apathy and Gjonaj Supporters

Incumbent Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera’s political presence in the Norwood area that makes up about 15 percent of the 80th Assembly District is most clearly manifested in a single poster, taped lazily to a residential window at 2970 Bainbridge Avenue.

Sports Agent Tavarez Challenges Rivera in 33rd Senate District; Still Hasn’t Filed Campaign Finances

With his high cheekbones, wide smile and tan skin, Manny Tavarez looks every part a professional baseball player. Although injuries ended his playing career in the Dominican Republic, baseball remains an integral part of Tavarez’s life, even now that he is running for the state senate, making sure to pass out baseballs at nearly every campaign event he attends.

Bronx Notes: UNHP Fundraiser at Bronx Ale House

The University Neighborhood Housing Program, a local nonprofit think tank and multi-service provider, is holding a fundraiser tonight at the Bronx Ale House. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a commemorative pint glass, a free drink, and food. We will also be raffling off some great prizes including Yankee tickets and a Bronx Ale House beer basket.

78th Assembly District Underdog: Ricky Martinez

Ricardo Martinez is a true underdog.The longtime Bedford Park resident is running for office in the 78th Assembly District (Bedford Park, Fordham, Crotona) against a living legend in Jose Rivera, the well-known patresfamilias of a Bronx political dynasty. He has no campaign money to speak of. And he’s battling bone cancer.

Bronx Notes: Flag Football Program

The New York City Christian Athletic League, based in the northwest Bronx, is accepting registration forms for the upcoming fall season for those ages 12 to 18. The league starts Sept. 15 and will run for 10 weeks. All games will be played on Saturday mornings at Harris Field. The fee for all players is $25. For more information or to fill out a registration form, visit nyccl.org or e-mail nyccal@aol.com.

5 Observations From 80th AD Debate Last Night (Plus Video of Actual Debate)

The candidates for the 80th Assembly District — minus incumbent Naomi Rivera (more on that in a minute) — debated last night on Bronxnet. Here are five quick observations from the action between the candidates who did show up: Irene Estrada-Rukaj, Mark Gjonaj and Adam Bermudez.