Michael Benedetto has been a state Assemblyman in the northeast Bronx for nearly two decades, and has never had a competitive candidate run against him.
But in 2022, Community Board 10 District Manager Matthew Cruz and local activist Al Quattlebaum, both Democrats, are throwing their hats in the ring with hopes to dethrone the longtime incumbent.
The 74-year-old Benedetto, who has represented the 82nd Assembly District since 2004, was primaried in 2012 and 2020 by Egidio Sementelli, and handily defeated him. The district covers Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Westchester Square, City Island, Country Club and Pelham Bay.
Both candidates told the Bronx Times it is time for a change.
Matthew Cruz
While Cruz is just 29, he says he’s ready to take on the seasoned politician.
“I think my age is a benefit,” he said. “If it was an issue, I don’t think I would be district manager. My pedigree is, I get results.”
Cruz, of Pelham Bay, was born and raised in Harlem public housing and moved to the Bronx at 16. His mother Noemi and late father Miguel were city employees and instilled a work ethic in him, so he knew from a young age he wanted to make an impact and help his community.
