State Senate District 33: Bronx

 

In State Senate District 33 in the Bronx, incumbent Democrat Gustavo Rivera is being challenged by Manny Tavarez in the Democratic primary on September 13th. 

Candidates: (listed in alphabetical order)

Gustavo Rivera (Incumbent) - www.gustavoforstatesenate.com

Manny Tavarez - www.mannytavarez.com

Map:

Click here for the map of the new 33rd district from the LATFOR website.

Background:

This seat is currently represented by Gustavo Rivera, a progressive who has run on both the Democratic and Working Families Party line.  Mr. Rivera has held the seat since 2010, when he unseated former Senate majority leader Pedro Espada.  Gustavo is being opposed by Manny Tavarez, a former sports agent.

Tavarez states on his campaign website that he is against gay marriage and against a woman's right to choose.  Gustavo Rivera voted for marriage equality and is strongly pro-choice.  Anti-gay State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has endorsed Tavarez, where as his son Ruben Diaz Jr. has endorsed Gustavo Rivera. (See links below)

Tavarez is also rumored to have the backing of Charles Rangel or some of his staffers.  Tavarez actively supported Rangel's bid for re-election.

Links:

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2012/07/manny-tavarez-team-rangel-helping-my-senate-run-rangel-spox-we-havent-endorsed

http://www.thepereznotes.com/2012/05/whos-behind-manny-tavares-vs-gustavo.html

Tavarez campaign lit with Ruben Diaz Sr. - thanks to Azi Paybarah at Capital NY