Díaz Jr. rolls out campaign ad in Bronx borough president primary race

Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. is on track to win reelection easily this fall, but that isn't keeping him from running a campaign ad ahead of the Sept. 12 primary.

In a 30-second video spot that begins airing this week, Diaz touts the creation of more than 7,000 housing units and 116,000 jobs in the borough as well as healthier food options, a thriving craft beer industry and green spaces like the High Bridge, which reopened in 2015. 

"The Bronx I grew up in is different than the one that you see today," Diaz says in the ad. "We've seen how great our borough can be."

The advertisment, titled "Opportunity" and produced by The Advance Group, is running on Bronx cable channels, including NY1 and News 12. 

Diaz is running against two Democratic rivals in the September primary, according to the New York City Board of Elections: Camella Price, a former staffer in the borough president's office, and Avery Selkridge. Diaz, who was considered a potential contender for mayor this year but opted to run for reelection instead, has raised more than $1.3 million and has $794,523 in campaign funds on hand. Price reported raising less than $6,000, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and no other candidate has reported raising any funds in the race.  

"The Bronx is truly a place of opportunity, and we have proven as such over the past eight years," Diaz said in a statement. "I am proud to be the president of my hometown and, if I am honored to be chosen for re-election by the voters of my borough, I look forward to continuing to build on our successes and tackle the issues we face for another four-year term."