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Primaries 2024: District Leader Yves Filius Withdraws from 77th Assembly District Race

(L to R, front row) FORMER DISTRICT 14 City Councilman and former candidate for Bronx borough president, Fernando Cabrera, campaigns in The Bronx with Yves Filius, former candidate in the 2021 District 16 City Council race, along with community activist, Leonardo Coello, during the week commencing Monday, May 24, 2021.
Photo courtesy of Yves Filius Campaign for City Council

Democratic male district leader in the 77th assembly district, Yves Filius, announced on Jan. 18 that he was withdrawing his candidacy for the role of assembly member in the 77th assembly district in the upcoming June Primary, a position made vacant, as reported, by the sudden resignation of former Assembly Member Latoya Joyner (A.D. 77) earlier this month.

 

The news of Filius’ withdrawal from the race came on the same day that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the date of the special election in Assembly District 77 as Feb. 13, and on the same day that the Bronx Democratic Party formally announced their nominee for the position in the form of attorney Landon Dais.

 

In a press release issued on Jan. 18, Filius, a government relations strategist with the New York Civil Liberties Union, according to his Linkedin profile, wrote, “After careful reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw as a candidate for the vacancy in the 77th Assembly Member district. Personal reasons have led me to this choice, and though it’s a challenging decision, I believe it’s the right one for me at this time.”

 

Filius continued, “Throughout my journey in this community, my dedication has always been fueled by a profound care for our district. That commitment remains unwavering, even as I navigate a different path. I am grateful for the support and understanding from each and every one of you.”

 

He added, “While the way I pursue what is best for my community may shift, my passion to serve this community will endure. I am committed to continuing to serve as a community leader, advocating for crucial initiatives such as securing waterfront access to the west Bronx, addressing the asthma ratio by capping the Cross Bronx Expressway, and eliminating our borough’s food deserts.”

 

Filius extended his gratitude to Joyner for what he said was her “incredible work, both locally and in the halls of Albany, advocating for the needs and interests of our district.”

 

LANDON DAIS 
Photo courtesy of the Bronx Democratic Party

He went on to say that he also appreciated the support of the Bronx Democratic Party and its chairman Jamaal Bailey (S.D. 36). He described the party and Bailey as “fostering an environment where community leaders can step out and step up to lead our district and borough forward.”

 

Filius concluded, “It’s essential to highlight the significance of ensuring that whoever is elected to represent the 77th has a deep connection to the district. It’s not just about policies; it’s about a genuine love for our community. I look forward to working with them and continuing to propel our community and borough forward.”

 

In response, Bailey said, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yves Filius for his invaluable service as a district leader and as an exemplary member of the Bronx Democratic Party. Yves’s dedication and passion have been crucial to our party’s success. More broadly, his love for his district and the Bronx is palpable. Thank you, Yves, for your outstanding leadership. We look forward to witnessing your continued success.”

 

As reported, former District 14 City Councilman Fernando Cabrera had previously endorsed Filius in his prior election bid to win the District 16 City Council seat in 2021, then held by now Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. In return, Filius had pledged his full support to Cabrera in the councilman’s simultaneous bid to win the 2021 Bronx borough presidency, held at the time by Ruben Díaz Jr.

 

Assembly District 77 broadly covers some or all of the Bronx neighborhoods of Highbridge, Mt. Eden, Morris Heights, and Mt. Eden.

Primary Election Day for Congress, State and Party positions is Tuesday, June 25, and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To find your polling site, as well as additional information on the election and candidates, visit the New York City Board of Elections website at: www.vote.nyc/elections.

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