State Senator-elect Pedro Espada knows how to crash a party—in the Bronx and in Albany.
Known for bucking political bosses, Espada recently bumped Efrain Gonzalez from the 33rd Senatorial District. He is one of three legislators withholding their support of State Senator Malcolm Smith, who is vying to become Senate Majority Leader.
In an editorial board meeting with El Diario/La Prensa yesterday, Espada said he is also bidding to become Senate Majority Leader. He believes a Hispanic Democrat should lead the State Senate.
State Senator Espada sees himself as applying pressure on powerbrokers on behalf of New York’s underrepresented Latino voters. He says this leveraging of the potential ascendancy of Democrats in the State Senate is all the more critical considering some of the major political re-mapping that needs to happen in a state with shifting demographics.
The idea of Latinos demanding a seat at the table being perceived as audacious is “part and parcel of taking us for granted,” Espada said. “We’re too quick to fold into whatever people think we should be doing.”
The power play of the three politicians is yielding results, Espada believes, with more Latino political appointments on the way.
Espada is walking a tight rope. But his willingness to play hard can be positive for our underserved communities, as long as it does not compromise overdue progressive legislation.
For as much as some Democrats are irritated by his unwillingness to toe the party line, part of Espada’s coming to power again—he served in the state senate before—has to do with the Democratic machine being asleep at the wheel.
Espada’s shakeup may be just what the party had coming. And at minimum, the fire in his belly should raise the bar for snoozing elected leaders.
State Senator-elect Pedro Espada knows how to crash a party—in the Bronx and in Albany.
Known for bucking political bosses, Espada recently bumped Efrain Gonzalez from the 33rd Senatorial District. He is one of three legislators withholding their support of State Senator Malcolm Smith, who is vying to become Senate Majority Leader.
In an editorial board meeting with El Diario/La Prensa yesterday, Espada said he is also bidding to become Senate Majority Leader. He believes a Hispanic Democrat should lead the State Senate.
State Senator Espada sees himself as applying pressure on powerbrokers on behalf of New York’s underrepresented Latino voters. He says this leveraging of the potential ascendancy of Democrats in the State Senate is all the more critical considering some of the major political re-mapping that needs to happen in a state with shifting demographics.
The idea of Latinos demanding a seat at the table being perceived as audacious is “part and parcel of taking us for granted,” Espada said. “We’re too quick to fold into whatever people think we should be doing.”
The power play of the three politicians is yielding results, Espada believes, with more Latino political appointments on the way.
Espada is walking a tight rope. But his willingness to play hard can be positive for our underserved communities, as long as it does not compromise overdue progressive legislation.
For as much as some Democrats are irritated by his unwillingness to toe the party line, part of Espada’s coming to power again—he served in the state senate before—has to do with the Democratic machine being asleep at the wheel.
