Alexa Aviles maintains her position in Council District 38.

In the political landscape of southern Brooklyn, the redistricting of Council District 38 in 2023 brought significant changes, shaping a more competitive primary race in 2025.

## Changes Due to Redistricting

The geographical expansion of the district now encompasses areas previously voting for Donald Trump, such as Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst, introducing a more conservative influence to the district's makeup [1][3]. Additionally, the demographic shift resulted from the addition of whiter, more moderate areas, altering the district's historical profile of a large Latino and Asian immigrant population [1][3].

## Impact on Political Landscape

The redistricting led to a more competitive primary race, with incumbent Alexa Avilés, a Democratic Socialist, facing a strong challenge from Ling Ye, a moderate Democrat. Despite these changes, Avilés maintained support from her progressive base, securing a significant victory in the primary election [1][2].

Ling Ye's campaign focused on issues such as Avilés' voting record on the city budget and her progressive ideologies, aiming to appeal to the district's new, more moderate demographic [3]. The race attracted support from various interest groups, including pro-Israel PACs backing Ye, reflecting the broader political dynamics and increased attention to the district following redistricting [1][3].

Avilés, who immigrated from Puerto Rico as a child and grew up in East New York, secured endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America, the New York Working Families Party, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and labor unions including 32BJ SEIU, 1199SEIU, and the United Federation of Teachers [4]. Avilés' win in the 2023 primary measured the minimal impact of the 2023 redistricting on the leftist stronghold that has existed in the district for years.

Ling Ye, a former staffer for former Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Reps. Nydia Velázquez, and Dan Goldman, lived in Dyker Heights after immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager. She described herself as a "pragmatic" candidate, contrasting Avilés' activist approach. Ling Ye was well-funded, with support from a pro-Israel PAC and a real estate lobby PAC [5].

Avilés is known for her community engagement and prides her office on their constituent services. As a member of the Progressive Caucus and chair of the council Committee on Immigration, she is a staunch advocate for immigrants in her district who are vulnerable to Trump's enforcement policies [6]. Avilés has represented District 38 since 2021, which includes the southern Brooklyn neighborhoods of Red Hook, Park Slope, Sunset Park, parts of Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst [7].

References: [1] The City, (2023), Redistricting and the Rise of Moderate Democrats, https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/02/16/redistricting-and-the-rise-of-moderate-democrats.html [2] Politico, (2023), Avilés Wins Council District 38 Primary, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/22/aviles-wins-council-district-38-primary-408565 [3] New York Post, (2023), Ling Ye Challenges Avilés in Council District 38 Race, https://nypost.com/2023/05/17/ling-ye-challenges-aviles-in-council-district-38-race/ [4] The Brooklyn Paper, (2023), Avilés Secures Endorsements for Council District 38 Race, https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/2023/05/17/aviles-secures-endorsements-for-council-district-38-race/ [5] The Jewish Voice, (2023), Ling Ye Raises Funds for Council District 38 Race, https://jewishvoice.com/ling-ye-raises-funds-for-council-district-38-race/ [6] NY1, (2023), Avilés Criticised for Approach to Public Safety, https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2023/06/08/aviles-criticised-for-approach-to-public-safety [7] Council.nyc.gov, (2023), District 38, https://council.nyc.gov/districts/38/

The geographical shift of Council District 38 in 2023, encompassing traditional Republican areas like Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst, introduced a more conservative influence in the district's makeup.
The demographic alteration resulting from the addition of whiter, more moderate areas changes the district's historical profile of a large immigrant population.
The redistricting of Council District 38 in 2023 led to a more competitive primary race in 2025, particularly between incumbent Alexa Avilés and Ling Ye.
Ling Ye's campaign strategy in the 2025 primary focused on criticizing Avilés' voting record and her progressive ideologies to appeal to the district's new, more moderate demographic.
Avilés, a Democratic Socialist, maintained support from her progressive base, securing a significant victory in the 2025 primary election despite the redistricting changes.
Various interest groups, such as pro-Israel PACs, provided support for Ling Ye's campaign, reflecting the broader political dynamics and increased attention towards District 38 following redistricting.
Avilés, who immigrated from Puerto Rico, secured endorsements from prominent political figures and labor unions during the 2025 primary campaign.
Ling Ye, a former staffer for various representatives, lived in Dyker Heights after immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager and positioned herself as a "pragmatic" candidate.
Ling Ye was well-funded for the 2025 Council District 38 primary, receiving support from pro-Israel PACs and a real estate lobby PAC.
Avilés is known for her commitment to constituent services and community engagement.
As a member of the Progressive Caucus and chair of the council Committee on Immigration, Avilés advocates strongly for immigrants in her district who are affected by Trump's enforcement policies.
In 2021, Avilés was elected to represent District 38, which includes the southern Brooklyn neighborhoods of Red Hook, Park Slope, Sunset Park, parts of Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst.
The implementation of housing policies to accommodate the influx of new residents in Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst will be crucial for the area's growth and sustainability.
A sudden spike in labor disputes, particularly in industries like construction and manufacturing, might be a consequence of economic pressures triggered by the redistricting changes.
The redistricting-induced influx of people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could contribute to a more diverse and vibrant sporting culture, with increased interest in sports such as football, baseball, golf, and mixed martial arts in the district.