New York City’s 2025 primary elections are two weeks away, and News 12 is introducing you to some of the candidates you’ll see on the ballot.

Clarisa Alayeto is hoping to represent the South Bronx by running for the open District 8 City Council seat.

“It takes someone like me, who has the lived experience but also the experience of working in our communities for many years, to run for this seat and really represent the real people who live in our community,” said Alayeto.

The Democrat was raised by her grandparents in the Patterson NYCHA Houses in Mott Haven, currently serves as chairperson of Community Board 1 and has experience working with youth organizations and in education.

Alayeto believes she is the best candidate because she’s not a career politician.

“I think we’ve given many career politicians the opportunity to make our communities better,” said Alayeto. “For me, it’s about moving with urgency. I’ve dedicated my life to this community. I’ve dedicated my life to the people and the people who live here.”

Her top priorities include public safety, sanitation and affordable housing.

“We have to make sure that we invest in NYCHA,” said Alayeto. “We have to make sure that people are living with dignity, people have their repairs done.”

News 12 requested interviews with all the top-funded candidates in the district race.

Click on News 12's Power & Politics section to check them out.