Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. has a Democratic challenger this upcoming primary.

Salamanca represents the 17th District in the South Bronx. The district includes the Concourse Village, East Tremont, Longwood, Melrose, Morrisania and West Farms neighborhoods.

Salamanca was elected last year in a special election. He tells News 12 that one of his top issues is pushing for affordable housing for all, pointing to his work in creating or securing nearly 4,000 units of affordable housing in just the last year.

Education is also a focus of Salamanca’s, wanting strong schools and opportunities for children with high-tech classrooms, after-school activities and youth summer jobs. The councilman also lists making sure there are resources and support for seniors as a priority. He says he already secured funding for new senior affordable housing, senior center improvements and meal programs.

Salamanca is being challenged by Helen Hines. She is campaigning on wanting to raise the bar in the 17th District. Hines wants to do this by focusing on the young people. She wants to ensure quality education by improving technology use in schools, incorporating STEM programs and increasing neighborhood after-school and mentoring programs.

Hines is also passionate about quality affordable health care and treatment for everyone by promoting healthy lifestyles and quality treatment facilities. On Safety, Hines wants to build better relationships through neighborhood summits and the neighborhood community officers.