It’ll be roughly a year from now when voters in the 15th Congressional District will decide who to send to Washington D.C. to represent them in the House of Representatives. Not even a year out, and the race is already crowed, with nine declared candidates (or least opening committees with the Federal Election Commission) laying the groundwork for what’s likely to be a very contentious race.

Torres Notches First Endorsement
Councilman Ritchie Torres, whose 15th Council District somewhat overlaps with the, landed the race’s first endorsement, locking in the backing of the Equality Caucus’ political agent, the Equality PAC. The caucus is made up of 150 legislators, along with members that include Serrano.

Jeff Larivee, the PAC’s finance director, told Politico New York that Torres is “someone who is used to making history,” and that he’s “poised to make history again.”

Money will likely be a major factor in this race, giving an endorsement for Torres critical to his run. The PAC is known for its generous contributions.

Fundraising
Money remains on the mind for Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., another serious candidate, who has been distributing mailers encouraging contributions. In his latest email entitled “Momentum is Growing,” Diaz Sr. is seeking donations of up to $500, explain that it will “help make a difference.”

Meantime, Blake is tapping into his ties to Washington D.C. to build his war chest, holding a campaign fundraiser in Washington D.C. on June 25. Among the guests featured in his campaign poster included Congresswoman Karen Bass, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and New York Congress members Yvette Clark and Joe Morelle. Blake, who serves as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, had benefitted from his nationwide connections in is run for New York City Public Advocate, with a third of his donations coming from outside New York. A large chunk of those out-of-state funds from Washington DC.

The first filing date for the race is on July 15. 

Ex-Pol Mulls 15CD Run
Former Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, who went to jail for several years on bribery charges, is launching an exploratory committee for the 15th Congressional District, after Congressman Jose E. Serrano announced his retirement in March. In a press release, Stevenson said, “I plan on exceeding the good work of Congressman Serrano by making sure that social justice, poverty, mass incarceration and other socioeconomical ills are on the front burner in Congress.” Stevenson hasn’t formally declared with the Federal Elections Commission. 

Other Names
While Torres, Blake, and Diaz Sr. actively seek donors for the race, some haven’t even done much in the way of publicity. Other names that have opened committees, but have virtually done little include Frangell Basora, David Philip Franks, and Patrick Delices, the only Republican to run in a district that’s overwhelmingly comprised of registered Democrats.