Council District 38 shake-up: Menchaca unseats Gonzalez
In a surprising turn of events, 32-year-old Carlos Menchaca bested Councilmember Sara Gonzalez in the Democratic primary for the council seat representing Sunset Park and Red Hook, securing over 57 percent of the vote.
In a race marked by low turnout, Menchaca – who is poised to be the first Mexican-American on the Council — got 3,997 votes compared to Gonzalez’s 2,946. If re-elected, Gonzalez would have been the most senior councilmember. There was a somber mood as she gathered with supporters at Tacos el Bronco restaurant.
“I feel concern for the future of the district, but I thank everyone who supported me. I have stayed in office a long time,” Gonzalez said. “I did an incredible job. I’m an educated woman and will go on to do something else, I’m sure.