Xavier Santiago: NY Assembly Run & Culinary Champion - Latest News

Dr. Rita Raynor 23 May 2025

In the vibrant tapestry of New York politics, does the recent defeat of a promising candidate signal a shift in the electorate's priorities, or is it a mere stumble on the path to future success? Xavier Santiago's loss in the Democratic primary on June 25, 2024, for the New York State Assembly, District 68, has ignited a debate about the direction of the city and the forces shaping its future.

The political landscape of New York, particularly in the 68th district, is often a crucible where diverse interests collide, and the pursuit of progress is relentlessly tested. This district, with its unique blend of communities and challenges, demands a leader who can effectively navigate the complexities of affordable housing, education, and economic development. Santiago, a man of multifaceted talents and experiences, entered the political arena with a vision to address these critical issues. His campaign, built on a platform of community engagement and progressive ideals, resonated with many, yet the primary results tell a different story. This defeat is a reminder of the volatile nature of elections, a process that can dramatically alter the trajectory of both individual aspirations and the broader political landscape. The focus now shifts to understanding the factors that contributed to this outcome and what it reveals about the current political climate.

Category	Details
Full Name	Xavier Santiago
Political Affiliation	Democratic Party
Position Sought	New York State Assembly, District 68
Date of Primary Loss	June 25, 2024
Professional Background	Film/TV Producer Actor Director Writer Civic Activist Culinary Director (The Place 2 Be) Executive Chef/Head of Culinary Development (Carbone's Hospitality)
Education	Bowdoin College Alumnus
Community Involvement	Chair of Community Board 11
Culinary Achievements	Winner of Food Network's "Chopped" (Season 41), Winner of "86'd: A Culinary Collision" (Connecticut)
Location	New York City, London (United Kingdom)
LinkedIn Profile	View Xavier Santiago's Profile on LinkedIn

The election was held against the backdrop of significant political tension. The possibility of Donald J. Trump winning the next presidential election, and the concerns this raises about democracy and civil rights in the United States, amplified the stakes. This context underscored the importance of electing progressive and dynamic leaders to both the New York State Senate and Assembly. Supporters like Espaillat and Rep. Jerry Nadler announced their backing of Santiago, framing him as a candidate poised to bring fresh perspectives and a new energy to the East Harlem seat. However, the incumbent, Eddie Gibbs, proved to be a formidable opponent.

The role of community boards in New York politics cannot be overstated. Xavier Santiago's position as chair of Community Board 11 provided him with a deep understanding of local issues and a platform to advocate for change. His focus on affordable housing, education, and entertainment reflected the needs and aspirations of the community he aimed to represent. His multifaceted career, encompassing roles as a film/TV producer, actor, director, and writer, showcased a versatility that could have been an asset in the political arena. The fact that he is a Bowdoin College alumnus further added to his profile.

The race highlighted a crucial aspect of political campaigns: the ability to connect with and mobilize voters. While Santiago's background and platform were impressive, he ultimately fell short in the primary. Gibbs, with nearly 99% of scanners reporting on election night, led Santiago by a significant margin, indicating that the incumbent had successfully retained the support of the majority of the voters in the district. Despite the backing of prominent figures and the endorsement from several corners of the community, Santiago's campaign did not garner enough support to overcome the incumbent's advantage.

Beyond the political sphere, Xavier Santiago's achievements in the culinary world have also garnered attention. His victory on Food Network's "Chopped" and his subsequent role as the culinary director of The Place 2 Be, demonstrate a passion for excellence and a creative drive that have resonated with audiences. Furthermore, his success in "86'd: A Culinary Collision," a fundraiser for End Hunger Connecticut, highlights his commitment to using his talents to address social issues.

Santiago's background as a film/TV producer likely provided him with valuable skills in communication, strategy, and leadership. The ability to craft compelling narratives and effectively communicate with diverse audiences is a key asset in the political arena. His experience in the entertainment industry likely offered him unique insights into the city's cultural landscape and the issues facing the creative community. His work with animals, people, and film, which he mentions has touched many lives, is indicative of a person driven by a passion for making a positive impact on his surroundings.

The fact that he has lived and worked in both New York City and London, United Kingdom, suggests a global perspective, which is increasingly valuable in today's interconnected world. His experience as an executive producer, with a specialty in creating successful advertising campaigns, hints at a deep understanding of marketing and public relations. The skills he honed in the entertainment and culinary fields are transferable and could have contributed significantly to his political campaign.

Xavier Santiago's candidacy was also notable for its aim to address the pressing needs of the East Harlem community. He specifically highlighted the need to increase affordable housing and drive down gun violence. These are issues that require both immediate action and long-term strategies. His campaign represented an effort to bring a fresh approach to these challenges, and the fact that he chose to take on these issues shows a commitment to the well-being of his community.

The support of Rep. Jerry Nadler is a testament to Santiago's potential. Nadler's endorsement suggests that Santiago had the backing of established political figures who recognized his ability to contribute positively to the political process. The fact that he was supported by such influential voices highlights the respect he had garnered within the political establishment. The political arena often operates on relationships and alliances, and the fact that he was able to build relationships with figures such as Nadler speaks to his networking abilities.

The involvement of Manhattan Democratic boss Keith Wright, an ally of Gibbs, added another layer of complexity to the campaign. Wright's support for Gibbs underscores the significance of established power structures and the importance of navigating these networks within the political landscape. It is indicative of the dynamics within the Democratic party in Manhattan, with alliances and rivalries that can heavily impact the outcome of elections.

The recent events related to the campaign shed light on a key aspect of political campaigns: the importance of fundraising. The "86'd: A Culinary Collision" fundraiser, though not directly related to the political campaign, showcased Santiago's ability to leverage his connections and skills to generate support for a cause. The fact that this event raised thousands of dollars for End Hunger Connecticut is an indication of his resourcefulness and capacity to mobilize support.

Santiago's campaign was a reminder that the path to public office can be challenging. The primary election result revealed that even the most passionate and well-prepared candidates can face stiff competition. The fact that he lost the election serves as a humbling experience for all candidates who run for office. His campaign, though unsuccessful, has hopefully provided him with valuable experiences and insights.

Xavier Santiago's experience as a civic activist further demonstrates his commitment to his community. His dedication to this cause, which is mentioned throughout the various sources, underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping public policy. His involvement in civic affairs illustrates a deep understanding of the importance of community-level decision-making.

The concentration of mentions of Santiago as an actor, director, producer, and writer based in New York City and London, United Kingdom, highlights his multifaceted background. His time in London, along with his time in New York, gave him the ability to see life from a variety of perspectives, and his experience with both large and small projects has prepared him for a wide range of tasks. This wide-ranging skillset, combined with his passion for community service, sets him apart from many of his peers.

The fact that he ran for the New York State Assembly, District 68, indicates that Santiago is interested in influencing public policy. His decision to run for office signifies a commitment to public service and the desire to improve the lives of others. His involvement in political life suggests that he has developed a strong sense of civic duty.

In conclusion, the story of Xavier Santiago's attempt to enter the political arena is a multifaceted one. His professional and personal achievements paint a picture of a man with considerable skills and passions. His campaign for the New York State Assembly may not have been successful, but his engagement in the process, and his commitment to his community, has undoubtedly left its mark. The future may hold further opportunities for this dynamic individual to influence the direction of New York City and beyond.