Today was the opening of the 80th Assembly Special Election headquarters for candidate Gene DeFrancis at the Bronx Republican office on Middletown Road in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. DeFrancis is the candidate of the Republican, Conservative, and Reform parties. He is running against Nathalia Fernandez the candidate of the Democratic and Independence Parties.
While the Republican Party of the Bronx has not had an elected official in office since the late State Senator Guy Velella that is not stopping the enthusiasm of the fifty plus people who turned out to meet and show their support for their candidate.
Candidate DeFrancis in a few interviews has told me that he will be running for the state assembly on his thirty year experience in the community versus what he said was his opponents lack of experience. He said that heis support is widely throughout the assembly district, and that he helped the former Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj in his win for the 13th City Council seat. For the record Councilman Gjonaj has endorsed Mr. DeFrancis's opponent. In speaking with Candidate DeFrancis today he said that his opponent seems to not want to debate him, as she has been either to busy or has other thing on her agenda.
Gary Axelbank's Bronxnet show Bronxtalk has a planned debate for the 80th Assembly District Special Election, but a date has not been chosen yet. there have been no announcements about any other debates as of yet. The date for the 80th A.D. Special Election is set for Tuesday April 24th.
Above - Candidate Gene DeFrancis meets supporters as he arrives at his ner campaign headquarters at the Bronx Republican office on Middletown Road.
Below - DeFrancis goes inside to greet some more supporters.
Above - Candidate Gene DeFrancis speaks to his supporters about the upcoming special election.
Below - One of the variety of materials you may see for 80th A.D. candidate Gene DeFrancis.
