In a developing political twist ahead of the Democratic Primary for the 13th City Council District, it has been confirmed that David Diaz and Shirley Aldebol are now tag teaming in a strategic move that could reshape the Bronx political landscape.

The Bronx Democratic Party’s treasurer role and upcoming interviews with The Bronx Times are now overlapping with the Morris Park candidate forum, an event where both Diaz and Aldebol are notably not expected to appear. This absence is raising eyebrows as political insiders suggest a bigger play is at hand.

According to multiple sources, Diaz is now actively supporting Aldebol in her run for the council seat, signaling a longer-term strategy. “It has been confirmed that candidates David Diaz and Shirley Aldebol are tag teaming now in the Democratic Primary for the 13th City Council,” said a party insider.

Speculation is swirling that this alliance is part of a calculated effort for Diaz to potentially run in a special election for Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s seat early next year.

Benedetto, a long-standing figure in Bronx politics, has faced backlash for his controversial vote to alienate parkland for Bally’s Casino—an unpopular move that many believe could cost him re-election.

“There are signs that Benedetto would not be reelected for his vote to alienate parkland for Bally’s Casino,” the source added. “It will come back to haunt him, as the Bruckner upzoning did to former Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez.”

The political maneuvering echoes recent shifts in Bronx power dynamics, with upzoning issues and casino development votes becoming litmus tests for voter trust and party loyalty.