In 2010, Gustavo Rivera ousted scandal-plagued, but powerful state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada in an upset that would shape the Bronx’s politics for the next decade.
Now, the state Senator faces a primary challenge of his own — attorney Miguelina Camilo, who is backed by the influential county party and is slated to have a fundraiser with Mayor Eric Adams next week.
A progressive who is the prime sponsor of the New York Health Act —which would implement universal health coverage in the state — and has voiced support for defunding the police in the past, Rivera joined Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” Thursday to lay out his case for reelection.
“I remember in 2010, I would tell my constituents when I was introducing myself that the main difference between that guy who I beat in 2010 and myself, is that he had forgotten who he worked for,” Rivera said. “Well, it’s been 11 years and I have not forgotten who I work for. My constituency.”
Rivera discussed his views on housing policy, healthcare, bail reform, his work in Albany, and how he plans to approach serving a newly drawn state Senate district.