The New York Daily News reports:
Corey Johnson was elected City Council speaker in an overwhelming vote Wednesday, capping months of maneuvering that will make him the city’s second-most-powerful elected official.
Johnson — a Manhattan Democrat who is gay and HIV positive — was chosen in a 48-1 vote. Councilwoman Inez Barron, who mounted her own last-minute bid for speaker to protest the lack of black candidates, was the lone no vote.
The new leader is expected to pose a challenge to Mayor de Blasio — saying he won’t hesitate to push through bills over the mayor’s veto, which never happened under his predecessor — although their progressive ideological views largely align. He takes over from Melissa Mark-Viverito, who left the job because of term limits.
Six things to know about the new City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. https://t.co/MPtFe0B2UZ pic.twitter.com/Z7aTKjnBKd
— City & State NY (@CityAndStateNY) January 4, 2018
We are thrilled that two-time Victory endorsee Corey Johnson has been elected Council Speaker of New York City! He is the first openly gay man and first HIV+ person to serve in the position. Congratulations, @CoreyinNYC!https://t.co/EgOPadMokw
— Victory Fund (@VictoryFund) January 4, 2018
What was the process of @CoreyinNYC getting the votes he needed to become @NYCCouncil speaker? Hear more on @InsideCityHall at 7 PM. #NY1Politics pic.twitter.com/998QMqTueB
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) January 3, 2018