State Senate Candidate Julia Salazar at Bushwick’s Starr Bar Tonight

BUSHWICK – Following the success of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s upset win in New York’s 14th Congressional District, attention is suddenly on upstart primary challenges from Democratic Socialists—like Julia Salazar, running to unseat State Senator Martin Dilan (D-18).

The 18th State Senate district covers much of North Brooklyn, including Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Cypress Hills, East New York, Bed-Stuy and Brownsville. Tonight, Salazar will be in Bushwick at Starr Bar for an interview and campaign fundraiser.

The interview will be conducted by satirist Virgil Texas, a co-host of the popular Chapo Trap House podcast.

Like Ocasio-Cortez, Salazar is running to challenge an establishment Democrat (Dilan has served 15 years as State Senator) with a campaign championing the working class and social justice. On her campaign website, Salazar is described as “an advocate, a tenant, a feminist, a democratic socialist, a union member, and a proud daughter of working-class immigrants.”

Among the issues listed on her website, Salazar has highlighted housing issues such as ending vacancy decontrol, which leads to tenant harassment and eviction, fighting against upzoning, and expanding rent stabilization.

Yesterday, Salazar picked up the endorsement of Cynthia Nixon, who is running her own progressive campaign for Governor against Cuomo:

The State Senate primary isn’t until September—and Salazar will have to petition her way onto the ballot—but with renewed attention on progressive challenges to establishment Dems, hers will surely be a race to watch.

Julia Salazar Interview with Virgil Texas
Starr Bar, 214 Starr Street, Bushwick (Jefferson L)
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Tickets