Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The New York Times reports:
Jumaane D. Williams, a Democratic councilman from Brooklyn, was elected as New York City public advocate Tuesday night, notching a victory over 16 other candidates in a free-for-all race that could give him a platform to seek higher office.
Mr. Williams entered the race as a front-runner after his surprise insurgency campaign for lieutenant governor against the Democratic incumbent, Kathy Hochul, netted him more than 434,000 votes in New York City in a losing effort last year.
He used that momentum to argue that he had the support of voters who saw his history as an activist — including several arrests for civil disobedience — as evidence that he would be an unapologetic antagonist to Mayor Bill de Blasio when needed.
The New York Daily News reports:
In his campaign, Williams argued his history as an activist made him a natural for the role, which is known for pointing out problems in the city. He has a history of being arrested for civil disobedience, most recently for blocking an ambulance in protest of plans to deport immigration activist Ravi Ragbir.
But Williams isn’t guaranteed to hold the office for long. There will be a primary for the office in June, followed by another general election in November, and that victor will get to serve as public advocate until at least 2021.
And it’s likely there may be some rematches on the June primary ballot — two candidates in the special election, Mark-Viverito and attorney Dawn Smalls, have registered new campaign committees with the state in the last 30 days, an indicator they may be looking to run again.
New York City’s Public Advocate is first in line to succeed the mayor. Current Mayor Bill De Blasio served as Public Advocate from 2010 to 2013. In November, previous Public Advocate Letitia James was elected New York Attorney General.