BronxTalk will air debates this week between the Democratic candidates running for two Assembly seats representing Throggs Neck, City Island and Pelham Bay (District 82) and Riverdale, Kingsbridge and Norwood (District 81).

Update: The 81st District Assembly race that was previously scheduled for Monday, 6/20/22, has been cancelled.

Early voting kicks off Saturday in the first of two primary elections this summer. New Yorkers can cast ballots up through the June 28 election in races for governor, lieutenant governor, State Assembly, judges and party positions (a second primary will take place Aug. 23 for the State Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, the result of late-season redistricting changes).

Democratic voters in Bronx Assembly districts 81 and 82 can learn more about the candidates on their ballot in debates airing this week and next on BronxTalk. The first will debut Monday at 9 p.m. and feature incumbent Michael Benedetto, who faces two challengers for the 82nd District seat in the Northeast Bronx, where he’s held office since 2004. He’ll debate minister and chef Al Quattlebaum and Johnathan Soto, a community organizer who campaigned for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Next Monday, BronxTalk will air a second debate between 81st District Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz—who’s represented the district in Riverdale, Norwood and Kingsbridge since 1994—and mutual aid organizer Jessica Altagracia Woolford (who has also earned AOC’s endorsement).

Both events will be hosted by BronxTalk’s Gary Axelbank, and co-sponsored by City Limits, Bronx Times, Norwood News and the League of Women Voters. Both programs will air on Optimum 67 / Fios 2133 and stream live at bronxnet.tv

Additional air times below:

82nd AD Debate
Monday 6/13 at 9 p.m.
Tuesday 6/14 at 8 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Wednesday 6/15 at 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Thursday 6/16 at 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Friday 6/17 at 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sunday 6/19 at 11 a.m.