By Elinor Tatum Publisher and Editor in Chief, New York Amsterdam News

This year’s congressional primaries are coming upon New Yorkers quickly. The process for this year’s elections is one that will cost taxpayers millions of dollars and hold an election at a time when New Yorkers are not used to going to the polls, due to a recent court decision. The congressional primaries will be held on June 26, and the New York Amsterdam News’ endorsements are as follows:

8th Congressional District: Charles Barron

The 8th Congressional District has been in the hands of Rep. Ed Towns for decades. He has served his community well. As he retires, there are two who came before the New York Amsterdam News for our endorsement.

Both Hakeem Jeffries and Charles Barron have been endorsed by the Amsterdam News in the past for various positions. Both are extremely capable and both would do well by the constituents of the 8th District. Ideally, we would love a candidate who has the fire and soul of Barron and the practicality and affable nature of Jeffries. But we must only choose one.

Barron embodies the soul of the community. He has been on the front lines fighting for the needs and the hopes of the people. It has not always a smooth ride; Barron can be both arrogant and stubborn, but those qualities are what has made him the successful freedom fighter he is.

Jeffries is more moderate and more palatable to some, but at this point, this seat needs fire—someone who might just take Washington by its ear and make it listen. We need attention brought to our communities, and a leader who will do that is Barron. He has delivered for his community, bringing affordable housing, new school buildings and renovating parks. He has helped bring millions of dollars to CUNY and has learned how to be a coalition builder in the City Council. He has taken difficult positions and has been the lone council member to vote against city budgets. He understands the budgeting process and all of the holes and hidden agendas within them. He will bring a new type of fight to Washington and that is why we endorse Charles Barron for the 8th Congressional District.

Additional endorsements for Congress:
5th Congressional District: Gregory Meeks
7th Congressional District: Nydia Velázquez
13th Congressional District: Charles B. Rangel

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Charles Barron’s reply:

“The Amsterdam News is the nations’ leading black newspaper and it is indeed an honor to receive their endorsement. Thank you Elinor Tatum for your strong words of support. This endorsement is an important boost in our campaign. It increases our momentum and energizes our supporters. The Amsterdam News reaches a tremendous amount of people in the city and is a key source of information. With this endorsement we are certain we’re on the road to victory.”