City Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) announced four new Bronx Democratic endorsements from across the borough on June 9 in his bid to win the upcoming Democratic primary for the Bronx borough presidency, currently held by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

 

Earning what was described by his campaign as “the strong support of longtime, popular” former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, the former Congressman for New York’s 16th congressional district, Jamaal Bowman, and of current Assembly Members Amanda Septimo (C.D. 84) and John Zaccaro Jr. (A.D. 80), Salamanca Jr.’s campaign said his coalition continues to grow “with support from every corner of the borough as momentum builds for his candidacy.”

 

Bowman, a former teacher and progressive Democrat, who served in NY-16 from 2021 to 2025 and who, as reported, lost his seat last year to then-Westchester County Executive and moderate Democrat George Latimer, said, “I’m proud to endorse Rafael Salamanca for Bronx Borough President because The Bronx deserves a leader who will fight for safety, opportunity, and a better future.”

 

Releasing a video message together with Salamanca Jr. by his side, Bowman said in part, “The Bronx deserves real leadership, leadership that delivers results. Rafael has a track record and history of delivering results. I can’t wait for him to be the next Bronx borough president. Please make sure you get out and vote on June 24th.”

He added in part, “We can’t afford more of the same. It’s time to make The Bronx safer, more affordable, and ready to thrive, and I believe Salamanca is the one to get it done. Join me in ranking Rafael Salamanca #1. Let’s make history. Let’s take it home and let’s take The Bronx to the next level.”

 

Meanwhile, Ferrer, who represented the Bronx as borough president from 1987 to 2001, said, “I’ve led The Bronx. I know what it takes to manage this borough and help our families succeed. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Rafael Salamanca. He has what it takes to build a stronger, safer, and more affordable Bronx for all of us. I’ll be proudly ranking Rafael Salamanca #1 for Bronx Borough President.”

 

For her part, Septimo, who broadly represents the South Bronx neighborhoods of Mott Haven, Port Morris, Hunts Point and parts of the Concourse, said, “Rafael Salamanca isn’t just a leader who understands The Bronx, he’s someone who shows up, listens, and delivers. As borough president, I know he’ll fight every day to make sure our community isn’t left behind. We need leadership that gets things done, and with Ralph, the Bronx will have a true champion.”

 

Zaccaro Jr., a former board member of Bronx Community Board 7, now broadly represents some or all of the Bronx neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Olinville, Pelham Parkway, Allerton, Little Yemen, Pelham Gardens, Parkside Housing Project, Bronx Park East, Morris Park and Van Nest.

 

“It is with great pride that I endorse my friend Rafael Salamanca for Bronx borough president,” he said. “For over a decade, I’ve seen Ralph show up, stand up, and deliver, whether it’s fighting for truly affordable housing, safer streets, or a better quality of life. He’s the kind of steady, strategic leader the Bronx needs right now. I know he’ll bring our borough together and build a stronger, more equitable future for us all.”

 

As reported, Salamanca Jr. broadly represents the South Bronx neighborhoods of Mott Haven-Port Morris, Melrose, Hunts Point, Longwood, North & South Brother Islands, Morrisania, Crotona Park East, Concourse-Concourse Village, West Farms, Soundview-Bruckner-Bronx River, and briefly announced a run for borough president in 2021 before dropping out soon afterwards in light of what he broadly said were the needs of his constituents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This campaign is about all of us, every neighborhood, every generation, every culture that makes The Bronx The Bronx,” he said. “I’m honored to have the support of leaders who’ve stood up and delivered for our communities. Together, we’re building a coalition that reflects the strength and spirit of our borough, a coalition ready to meet this moment and move the Bronx forward.’

 

Salamanca Jr. previously received the backing of The Bronx’s Unity Democratic Club, as reported. “From Soundview to Riverdale, Hunts Point to Wakefield, we’re uniting for a Bronx that’s safer, stronger, and more just. Let’s do this, together,” he said.

 

Primary Election Day in New York is Tuesday, June 24. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early Voting runs from June 14- 22. To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be a U.S. citizen; be 18 years old on June 24; a New York State resident for at least 30 days before the election; not be in prison for a felony conviction; not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and not claim the right to vote elsewhere. The last day to register to vote in person was June 14. Applications to register to vote by mail should also have been received by June 14. For more information, click here.