Things are heating up in the State Senate race for the 33rd District—the seat currently occupied by Democratic majority leader Pedro Espada, Jr. 

Fordham Hill resident Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, a Democrat who began exploring a candidacy back in February, officially kicked off her campaign with a speech and press conference across from the Bronx Library Center last Saturday.

On April 14, the Daily News reported that Daniel Padernacht, an attorney and Community Board 8 member, is also jumping in the race for the Democratic nomination. 

In a phone interview, Padernacht said he decided to make his first foray into politics because he wants to make quality of life issues and responsible development priorities in his campaign. Padernacht says he’s waiting for his campaign committee to be officially registered with the state before he starts fund-raising.

“I’ve got my list of family and friends that I’m going to start calling” for contributions, he said.

“I think it is really difficult to challenge an incumbent, but I think it’s definitely worth doing,” Padernacht added. “I think change is needed, especially in our district.”

Alluding to Espada’s legal troubles, Pilgrim-Hunter cited what she called “a failure of leadership on top of rising deficits of integrity and trust.” Speaking in front of a backdrop of about 50 supporters, Pilgrim-Hunter said she was running “to offer this district a fresh start. I believe that what happens in Albany matters greatly in the northwest Bronx and I am convinced we can at long last get the government we deserve.”

Pilgrim-Hunter, who is president of her co-op board and was a leader in the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition’s campaign to defeat a plan to develop a mall at the Kingsbridge Armory, is ramping up her campaign with the help of fund-raiser

Lisa Hernandez-Gioia and the political consulting firm Berlin Rosen. An endorsement from the Retail Workers union, an ally in the Armory battle, was also expected this week.

Franck LaBoy, an Espada spokesman, attended Pilgrim-Hunter’s announcement event and videotaped it, but he declined to offer any comment to reporters.

-With JORDAN MOSS