Editor’s Note: For full disclosure, during this election cycle, Norwood News has broadly covered campaign events which were brought to our attention by candidates who campaigned in our local reporting area of Bronx Community District 7, which broadly covers the neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham, Jerome Park, Kingsbridge Heights, Mosholu Parkway, and University Heights. 

Democratic candidate for reelection as Bronx borough president, Vanessa L. Gibson, and incumbent New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, both running for reelection in the upcoming Democratic primaries on June 24, announced on June 20 that they have cross endorsed each other in their respective races.

 

Gibson’s campaign said the cross-endorsement “underscores the growing momentum behind Gibson’s campaign and highlights her strong relationships with Democratic leaders across New York City.” It continued, “Gibson continues to be recognized for her collaborative leadership style, deep-rooted presence in Bronx communities, and unwavering commitment to public safety, education, economic opportunity, and equity for all Bronx residents.”

 

“I’m proud to support, and to have the support of, my colleague and friend, Jumaane Williams, in his re-election as our city’s Public Advocate,” said Gibson. “I have a deep admiration for Jumaane because, like me, he shows up and delivers for the communities we serve. Together, we continue to fight for what truly matters, from securing affordable housing and improving public safety to investing in youth, education, and access to physical and mental healthcare. We’re committed to building a stronger, more just future for all New Yorkers.”

 

Meanwhile, Williams said, “Vanessa Gibson has always led with integrity, strength and compassion, standing up for Bronx families and delivering for communities that are too often underserved. I’m proud to endorse her for re-election and grateful to have her support in mine. We share a deep commitment to equity, public safety, and uplifting the voices of every New Yorker. I look forward to continuing our work together to build a more just and equitable city for all.”

 

For more on Gibson’s endorsements, in addition to a long list of several unions, Democratic clubs, trade councils, and more, click here. In the race for the borough presidency, Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) is challenging Gibson, who says in one recent campaign ad that she and her office have helped reduce the borough’s unemployment rate from 26% to 6%.

 

We reached out to the U.S. Department of Labor to factcheck this point and they duly advised that unemployment in The Bronx peaked at 26.5% in May 2020, dropped to 11% in January 2022, and has since dropped to 6% as of April 2025, with May 2025’s rate due to be received in July. We had previously shared this story in July 2023 on unemployment rates and hiring initiatives in The Bronx and the City, and NYS Department of Labor issued this report in May 2023.

 

Gibson assumed office as borough president in Jan. 1, 2022. She won the 2021 Democratic Primary with 53.5 percent of the vote over then-Councilmember for C.D. 14 Fernando Cabrera, her closest rival, and went on to win the general election in November 2021 with 79.9 percent of the vote.

 

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. Find where to vote early at http://findmypollsite.vote.nyc.