A long-time Democratic power broker in Brooklyn is facing his first primary challenge in more than three decades. As Borough reporter Jeanine Ramirez tells us, it is all about demographic changes and ethnic empowerment.

18th Avenue in Bensonhurst is also named Christoforo Colombo Boulevard, a reminder this neighborhood was once heavily Italian. Now the area is known as Brooklyn's second Chinatown and many here want more political clout. Newcomer Billy Thai is on the primary ballot in the 47th Assembly District — looking to oust Democratic District Leader Charles Ragusa, who's held the post since 1982. 

"I've never been challenged in 34 years," Ragusa said.

Ragusa belongs to the United Progressive Democratic Club, which arguably has run Democratic politics here for decades.

But Billy Thai says the neighborhood is ready for change and he decided to run after Police Officer Peter Liang was charged, and convicted, in the shooting death an unarmed man in a public housing complex two years ago.

"The fact that there were no politicians that looked like, you know, represented us to stand up for Officer Liang," Thai said. "I felt like I need to step up and run for District Leader."

District Leaders assign poll inspectors and determine which candidates get the party's backing. Ragusa's ties have helped him rack up endorsements from many elected Democrats. He points to Former Comptroller John Liu as a key supporter, as well as Assemblyman William Colton.

"He knows all the community leaders," Colton said. "And it's through him that we're able to mount the kind of grassroots campaign that we've been so successful in doing. That's why I support Charlie Ragusa."

"All the leaders are supporting me," Ragusa said. "I wonder why. They don't know this guy from a hole in the wall."

Thai is an electrical engineer born and raised in Brooklyn. He says he can do a better job than Ragusa and make history.

"To be the first elected Chinese American official to represent the community," Thai said.

Ragusa says that's not enough.

"Look what he's doing is going around saying Chinese should vote for Chinese," Ragusa said. "That's wrong."

Ragusa says he's been inclusive — noting that he helped to elect the borough's first Asian-American district leader — Nancy Tong. In addition, Tong, he points out, is backing him.