Harlem AD 70 Race: Wright Leads Contributions According To New Filings

HARLEM, NY — The primary race to replace State Assembly Member Inez Dickens is heating up in Harlem, but one candidate appears to have a major head start when it comes to money.

Jordan Wright is leading the Democratic primary pack for the now-open seat in Harlem's 70th Assembly District, with a haul of over $50,000 raised since he announced his campaign in January, according to March campaign filings,well after the other candidates had entered the race.

In total, Wright raised $53,614, according to his recent campaign filing.

His campaign said that they also expect to unlock a total of nearly $80,000 in matching public financing funds — money which is directly tied to small-dollar in-district contributions.

"I am grateful for the immense support we have received," said Wright. "The outpouring of generosity not only validates the significance of our cause but also signals that Harlem is ready for its next generation of leaders to take their seat at the table."

Wright is the son of Manhattan Democratic Party boss Keith Wright — who also represented the district in the State Assembly for nearly 24 years and was himself replaced by Dickens in 2016 — and managed the successful campaign of now City Council Member Yusef Salaam. In that race, Salaam bested both Dickens and Assembly Member Al Taylor.

According to Wright's campaign, 78 percent of his donors have given less than $150 per donation, and 30 percent of all donations came from the 70th Assembly District.

Top donors to Wright include multifamily developer Karim Hutson, commercial real estate developer Craig Livingston and lobbyist Brian Simon, the disclosure states.

None of the other candidates in the Democratic primary race broke through the $10,000 ceiling, according to the March disclosure filings, but some came close.

Shana Harmongoff, a Harlem native who previously worked as the director for community affairs in then-State Senator Brian Benjamin's office, came in second place behind Wright, raised a total of $9,375.

Harmongoff, who told the Amsterdam News how her parent's civic engagement in Harlem growing up in the neighborhood inspired her to run, is focusing her campaign on mental health, housing and seniors.

"I take great pride in being an individual deeply involved in local affairs, consistently addressing the needs of our community—it's a commitment I've dedicated my life to and intend to uphold," she said in a statement to Patch.

"Our campaign is grassroots. Our donors are single families, college students, small business owners, and seniors with the average donation being under $100. We are thankful for each contribution made to our campaign and I am excited for what we will continue to do for Harlem!"

Next is Craig Schley, a lawyer who previously ran in the general election against Dickens in 2020. His campaign raised $5,807 according to his campaign's disclosure filing.

His campaign tells Patch that Schley is focused on the petitioning process to get his name on the ballot, teaming up with Harlem groups to get signatures — including one that fought Mayor Eric Adams' efforts to house migrant in Harlem and with another new group formed by former Ford model and Apprentice star, Stacie Upchurch.

The campaign told Patch that they recently hired a new manager, Lisa D. Ross, a Harlem pastor who says she previously led efforts to uproot encampments in A. Philip Randolph Square through her "Boots on the Ground Community Outreach brand of activism."

Following Schley in the fundraising race is Joshua Clennon, a Harlem native and former Community Board 10 board member and affordable housing advocate. Clennon has also served in leadership positions with the Young Democrats of America and the Manhattan Young Democrats. His campaign has raised $3,243, his filing states.

Clennon is running a campaign focused on affordable housing, economic mobility and public safety — a very personal issue for Clennon, who lost his father to gun violence at a young age.

"We’re firmly committed to dedicating more time to conversations with voters and the everyday residents of Harlem, rather than focusing on donors and special interests," Clennon told Patch.

Candidate Maria Ordoñez, a Harlem native, has raised $1,995 so far, her disclosure filing states.

Ordoñez, a tenants rights organizer, is running a progressive campaign platform focused on housing justice — including Good Cause Eviction — school funding, climate justice, healthcare for all, queer liberation and more investment in Harlem.

“I’m proud to be the only progressive campaign running for Assembly District 70 fighting to uplift Harlem so we finally have a voice in the Albany," Ordoñez told Patch in a statement. "We’re excited about the movement we’re building, with supporters all across the district. With our vision for Harlem and our growing movement we will win this race!”

The Democratic Party Primary election is Tuesday, June 25.