The New York Daily News reports:
Mayor de Blasio gave his blessing Thursday to a deal that is likely to make Councilman Corey Johnson the next City Council speaker. Johnson, a Manhattan Democrat, sewed up the backing Wednesday of the Queens and Bronx county Democratic leaders, who brought with them support from enough Council members to give him the win. The result won’t be official until the 51 Council members vote in January.
Johnson came out as HIV+ in a 2013 New York Times interview.
Congratulations to the next speaker of the @NYCCouncil, Corey Johnson. He’s been a force for the people of his district and I know he will bring that same commitment, passion, and energy to the speakership. I look forward to working with him on a progressive agenda for NYC. pic.twitter.com/2ddin8m5aV
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 21, 2017
DISCLOSURE: Corey is a longtime personal friend of mine.