Two years ago, when a democratic socialist narrowly won a crowded Democratic primary for a City Council seat in Harlem, some saw it as a sign that the historically Black neighborhood was becoming more politically progressive.
But roughly a month before this year’s primary on June 27, the first-term councilwoman, Kristin Richardson Jordan, unexpectedly dropped out of the race.
Her decision has recast the hotly contested Democratic primary, which now comprises three candidates — none particularly progressive.
Two are sitting State Assembly members: Al Taylor, 65, a reverend in his sixth year in the Legislature; and Inez Dickens, 73, who held the Harlem Council seat for 12 years before joining the Assembly.
All are moderate Democrats who, before Ms. Jordan’s withdrawal, had tried to distance themselves from Ms. Jordan and her political stances, which include redistributing wealth and abolishing the police.
Persons:
Kristin Richardson Jordan, Al Taylor, Inez Dickens, Yusef Salaam, Jordan
Organizations:
Democratic, Council, Assembly, Harlem Council
Locations:
Harlem, Central Park