Bill de Blasio Scores Double Endorsement by 'Hispanic' District Leader in 'Harlem'

Mayoral candidates scored a double endorsement this week, that could help him make some inroads in the Black and Hispanic community respectfully  Marisol Alcantara, a Democratic district leader from West Harlem, is endorsing Mr. de Blasio for mayor, The Insider reported Saturday.

The endorsement is notable, writes Chris Bragg, because Mr. de Blasio's mayoral rival and ex-Comptroller Bill Thompson is counting on strong support from Harlem in the Democratic primary. Ms. Alcantara, who is Hispanic, in 2011 defeated a 20-year incumbent who was backed by the Democratic machine and Assemblyman Keith Wright, the Manhattan Democratic chairman and co-chairman of the state Democratic Party. Her win was seen as significant in part because it reflected the changing demographics of the neighborhood. "

"From fighting slumlords with his Landlord Watch List, standing up for small businesses, working to expand Pre-K and after-school programs, and being a consistent voice for immigration reform, Bill de Blasio has always stood up for working families," said Ms. Alcantara, a longtime 32BJ organizer.