The Race to Win Staten Island: A Tale of Political Power and Ambition
Staten Island, the forgotten borough of New York City, has long been a political battleground. In recent years, the race to win Staten Island has become increasingly heated, with candidates from both major parties vying for control of the borough's top political office: borough president.
The current borough president, James Oddo, is a Republican who has held the office since 2014. Oddo is a popular figure in Staten Island, and he is widely expected to win re-election in November. However, he faces a challenge from Democrat Michael McMahon, a former city councilman who is hoping to unseat Oddo and bring Democratic control to Staten Island for the first time in decades.
The race between Oddo and McMahon is a microcosm of the larger political landscape in New York City. Staten Island is a conservative borough that has traditionally voted Republican, but the city as a whole is becoming increasingly Democratic. In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton won New York City by a wide margin, but she lost Staten Island to Donald Trump by a narrow margin.
The race to win Staten Island is also a test of the strength of the Republican Party in New York City. The GOP has been losing ground in the city for years, and Staten Island is one of the few remaining Republican strongholds. If Oddo loses in November, it will be a major blow to the Republican Party in New York City.
The race to win Staten Island is a fascinating political drama that is playing out against the backdrop of a changing city. The outcome of the race will have a major impact on the future of Staten Island and the Republican Party in New York City.
The Candidates
James Oddo
- Republican
- Current borough president of Staten Island
- First elected in 2014
- Popular figure in Staten Island
- Expected to win re-election in November
Michael McMahon
- Democrat
- Former city councilman
- Hoping to unseat Oddo and bring Democratic control to Staten Island
- Faces an uphill battle in Staten Island, which is a conservative borough
The Issues
The race between Oddo and McMahon is being fought on a number of issues, including:
- The economy: Staten Island has been hit hard by the recession, and both candidates have pledged to create jobs and improve the economy.
- Crime: Staten Island has a relatively low crime rate, but both candidates have pledged to crack down on crime and make the borough safer.
- Education: Staten Island's public schools are struggling, and both candidates have pledged to improve education and give students the skills they need to succeed.
- Transportation: Staten Island is poorly served by public transportation, and both candidates have pledged to improve transportation options for residents.
The Race
The race between Oddo and McMahon is expected to be close. Oddo is the incumbent, and he is popular in Staten Island. However, McMahon is a strong candidate, and he is hoping to capitalize on the growing Democratic vote in the city. The race is likely to come down to turnout, and both candidates are working hard to get their supporters to the polls.
The Impact
The outcome of the race to win Staten Island will have a major impact on the borough and the city as a whole. If Oddo wins, it will be a sign that the Republican Party is still a force to be reckoned with in New York City. If McMahon wins, it will be a sign that the Democratic Party is making inroads in Staten Island and that the borough is becoming more Democratic.
The race to win Staten Island is a fascinating political drama that is playing out against the backdrop of a changing city. The outcome of the race will have a major impact on the future of Staten Island and the Republican Party in New York City.