Insiders: Uptown candidate for state senate doesn’t stand a chance against vet Harlem pol
Community activist Ruben Vargas, 62, has run for nearly every elected office there is and now he wants to unseat longtime Harlem pol state Sen. Bill Perkins.
This guy scores a lot of runs, but he’s still looking for his first win.
Community activist Ruben Vargas, 62, has run for nearly every elected office there is — and he has made multiple attempts at several seats. Now, he’s taking aim at longtime Harlem state Sen. Bill Perkins.
Political observers say he doesn’t stand a chance.
Bill Perkins has a lock on this race,” said political consultant Neal Kwatra. “It’s no contest.”
Vargas, who did not respond to requests for comment on Friday and appeared to be out when a reporter knocked on his door, filed nominating petitions Thursday with the city’s Board of Elections.
The U.S. Air Force veteran and retired NYPD evidence and property specialist ran for City Council in 2005, 2009 and 2013; joined a pool of candidates vying to unseat Rep. Charles Rangel in 2000, 2004, 2010 and 2012; attempted to make it to the state Assembly in 2012, and tried in vain to become Manhattan Borough President in 1997. He also previously worked for the Parks Department.
Perkins, who succeeded David Paterson to represent Harlem and Morningside Heights in 2006, did not return requests for comment Friday. He ran unopposed in 2012.
The two will face off in the Democratic Primary on Sept. 9. Jon Girodes, who owns a tax preparation firm, is running as a Republican.
jransom@nydailynews.com