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

Elsie Encarnacion is hoping to win the open City Council seat in District 8, which represents the South Bronx and Encarnacion’s hometown of East Harlem.

“If I thought this neighborhood was perfect, I wouldn't be running for office,” said Encarnacion. “I’m born here. I’m raised here. I went to the public schools here. I was born at the public hospital. I also have been able to refine that piece of understanding government, how to navigate it.”

Her experience includes serving on Community Board 11, working with nonprofit organizations, youth groups and spending eight years under two District 8 council members.

“Over the years, [District 8] has expanded more and more into the Bronx,” said Encarnacion. “So, I’ve learned about more and more developments in the Bronx, projects in the Bronx. Through the work in [Diana Ayala’s] office, I've been able to work with community-based organizations that are doing such amazing work.”

Encarnacion said her top priorities are housing, youth resources and quality-of-life issues.

The Democrat is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents and said she wants to serve the community that raised her.

“I’ve worked really hard to make sure this community has someone who is educated on the issues, who is passionate about the community,” said Encarnacion. “That is not an accident, and I think it’s something that should be celebrated.”

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.