Primary: Wright officially launches campaign with fanfare
Jordan J. G. Wright, former campaign manager for Councilmember Yusef Salaam, officially launched his candidacy for the 70th Assembly District in front of the Schomburg Center this past weekend. He was joined by his supporters and several members of the powerful “old guard” of Harlem’s political core.
Assemblymember Inez Dickens, who currently holds the “historic seat,” is set to retire this year. Her retirement has paved the way for a pretty competitive primary race over who will replace her. Wright had been quietly putting feelers out for a while, registering with the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) on Jan. 18.
“It’s not lost on me that this moment is bigger than all of us,” said Wright to the crowd that had gathered in front of the Schomburg. “We’re living in a time of great ambiguity, and the only thing we know for certain is that as Sam Cooke said in his famous Jim Crow-era song for civil rights– a change is gonna come and we’re here.”
Dickens, former Congressmember Charles Rangel, as well as District Leaders Wilma Brown and William Allen, all endorsed Wright at the press conference. They spoke highly of Wright as a savvy young political figure and a son of Harlem that they essentially all helped raise. They hoped that Wright would unite generations under “one Harlem” for the better.
“We have an exciting and refreshing new face in the city council. We have his campaign manager ready to pick up the baton and move forward,” said Rangel. “I want to congratulate you, I knew from the beginning that a seed was planted. I saw it take roots.”
Of course, Wright’s father, former Assemblymember and Manhattan Democratic Party leader Keith Wright, also threw the full weight of his support behind his son. A family tradition considering that Wright’s grandfather was State Supreme Court Judge Bruce McMarion Wright. His mother, Susan Wright, was also present.
“Can you imagine sending Jordan up to Albany, as we try to remake this political landscape here in Harlem, with the one-two punch of Yusef Salaam? We won’t be denied anymore,” said Keith Wright at the press conference. He believes his son has the intellect, commitment, fortitude, and a capable heart and soul to represent the district. He’s proud that his son chose to run.
Wright’s campaign is being managed by Londel Davis Jr. and Black Chamber Consulting with Raziq Seabrook and Kyle Ishmael, which helped Salaam win his city council race.
Meanwhile, fellow assembly candidate Craig Schley also announced his campaign for Assembly District 70 on the same day as Wright.
“The reason I’m running is because I believe our leadership has failed the community and that it’s important that we have a new direction,” he said Schley.
As of this Tuesday, seven candidates have filed for the race.
Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.
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