By DAVID CRUZ

Higher political aspirations are brewing these days, as several Bronx incumbents jockey to unseat their fellow incumbents within the Bronx political sphere, a rare development in the Bronx.  This season could also pit the rest of the delegation against one another when the time for endorsements comes.

While ambitious legislators have yet to fully flesh out their political ambitions, several warning shots can be heard in the distance, signaling open season for election 2014.

Cabrera Mulls Rivera’s Seat
Among the more closely watched potential races simmering involves Councilman Fernando Cabrera (D-14th CD) mulling a run against State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, WF-33rd Senate District). “We’re exploring it,” said one Cabrera source.  “We’re not saying yes, we’re not saying no.  We’re seriously looking into it.”  Political circles have focused over who convinced Cabrera to seek Rivera’s seat.  Among the more consistent names surfacing is Senate co-leader Sen. Jeff Klein, who’s contention with Rivera is apparent since both have clashed over several legislative measures passed in the Albany legislature.  

Cabrera is weighing his options with help from an exploratory committee he convened after being pressed by community leaders and residents to consider running.

“I’m looking forward to putting my progressive record as a leader in the Bronx against anyone who wants to challenge that,” said Rivera.  “I would be very interested to see how [Cabrera] compares his record in the Council to my record in the Senate.”

A Rivera-Cabrera contest could test the political might of each candidate, both of whom carry some baggage heading into the race.

Rivera, for instance, went rogue on several major endorsements made by Bronx County Democratic Party Leader Carl Heastie, whose endorsements are often representative of other party members.  Rivera opposed Heastie’s choice for New York City Mayor by endorsing Christine Quinn over Bill Thompson.  Months later Rivera would publicly endorse Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito over Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick for Council Speaker.

“I don’t agree with Carl on everything, but we’ve had a good working relationship,” insisted Rivera. Still, what could carry Rivera to victory is strong support from labor unions, which could organize on his behalf.

Cabrera, a preacher at New Life Outreach, is one of the few social conservatives on the New York City Council whose beliefs have conflicted with other pols.  And allegations he attempted to solicit funds from developers of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center a year back can also work against him.  But victory could depend on his record: he helped pass several bills that included the creation of an NYPD Crime Map and another that allowed religious groups to rent space in school after hours.

Cabrera still needs the signatures required to officially run in the September Primary.  Those signatures are due April 10.

Rangel-Espaillat Rematch
In the race for Congress, a wave of challengers eye the seats of two longtime Congressmen.   In the northwest Bronx, Congressman Charles Rangel, whose 13th Congressional District covers portions of the Bronx, thanks to redrawn district lines, faces several challengers in the June Primary.  Among them is State Senator Adriano Espaillat of Manhattan, who nearly defeated Rangel during the 2012 Congressional Primary.

Rangel has been prominently making the rounds at several functions throughout his Bronx congressional district lately, perhaps some political strategizing since the 20-term congressman only captured 42 percent of the Bronx vote to Espaillat’s 46 percent during the Primary.  But Rangel is in a tricky spot since his political survival is still dependent on his Harlem base, which is seeing other African-Americans such as former New York Governor David Paterson and former New York Assemblyman Keith Wright considering a run.

Changing demographics have made the district less of a guaranteed win for Rangel, an African-American legislator who benefitted from the large African-American voting bloc that appears to show signs of erosion.  These days, Hispanics are moving into the district, one reason why Espaillat, a Dominican Republic native, nearly won.

But Rangel’s campaign war chest is three times larger than Espaillat’s, certainly helping Rangel market himself more.

Palma and Serrano Matchup?
Speculation has surfaced over South Bronx Councilwoman Annabel Palma’s (D-18th CD) intention to run against seasoned Congressman Jose Serrano, who’s never faced a Primary challenge since taking office through a special election in 1990.  Palma, whose 18th Council District overlaps with Serrano’s enormous 15th Congressional District, has remained quiet over the potential to run.

“I don’t have much to comment on,” said Kenneth Thomas, an advisor to Palma, adding her run is “still speculative until further notice.”

With the 15th Congressional District pegged as a safe seat, Serrano has never met any primary challenger.  But his comfort also could be his undoing, since Serrano has no concrete political infrastructure to help knock on doors, pass leaflets or get the Serrano message out.

Palma’s political ambitions may be fueled by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., grumbling over Serrano’s recent criticism of FreshDirect and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Committee.  Other possible contenders include Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, whose loyalties lie with the BP.

Klein vs. Koppell
Though former Councilman Oliver Koppell has remained largely out of the spotlight, there are several reasons why the lifelong legislator may come out of retirement to take on Independent Democratic Conference President Jeff Klein (D-34th Senate District).  Koppell seethed over Klein’s power grab in late 2012, crafting an Op-Ed piece in the Norwood News that demanded Klein be a “genuine democrat.”  

Koppell may have laid low since retirement until he raised several eyebrows condemning Klein for allowing Senate co-leader Dean Skelos, a Republican, to threaten a no-vote on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s pre-K plan before the Senate.

Koppell told Politicker he might run if Klein does not fully re-group with the Democratic Conference.  Klein’s office declined to comment.

Machine Test
The Bronx County machine has mainly been in solidarity, but this uncanny election season presents a test to Bronx County Leader Heastie, whose regular formula involves him supporting incumbents.  He did not return requests for comment.   

“If the county executive endorses a candidate, that likely means that they will put resources to supporting that candidate,” said Gary Axelbank, host of the BronxNet political talk show Bronx Talk.  “Sometimes they’ve silently endorsed a candidate and not put a lot of resources to it.  It would interesting in how this plays out, given the dynamics involved.”

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.