Justin Brannan Victorious in South Brooklyn Council Race
- Justin Brannan, a moderate Democrat and the Council’s finance chairman, won a council seat against his Republican opponent, Ari Kagan, in the southern Brooklyn race. This victory allowed the Democrats to retain control of a seat that was potentially drifting away from them.
- Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five defendants, won an unopposed Council primary in Harlem. Republicans were hopeful of flipping some seats, with Ari Kagan and Kristy Marmorato, a Republican candidate in the Bronx, considered their best chances.
- The Asian American community’s growth and political influence were also reportedly reflected in the year’s ballot. In a new southern Brooklyn district, created as part of the redistricting process to account for the growth of that community, Susan Zhuang, a Democrat defeated Ying Tan, the Republican.
Democrat Wins Brooklyn Council Race Amid Redistricting
Justin Brannan, a moderate Democrat and influential member of the New York City Council, secured victory over Republican Ari Kagan in Tuesday’s southern Brooklyn race. This triumph ensures Democrats retain control of a council seat that was trending toward the Republicans. Kagan, elected as a Democrat in 2021, later switched parties and adopted Republican viewpoints.
Due to the recent redistricting process, Brannan and Kagan competed in the same southern Brooklyn district. This once-a-decade event resulted in all 51 Council seats being up for re-election. Many Democrats, including Yusef Salaam of the Central Park Five, ran unopposed.
Republican Efforts to Gain Seats Unsuccessful
Republicans targeted several seats, with Kagan and Bronx candidate Kristy Marmorato seen as their best shots. Marmorato, an X-ray technician, ran against Democratic incumbent Marjorie Velázquez. Despite Velázquez’s shift from progressive views and a controversial rezoning plan, she held her seat.
Asian American Political Influence Grows
In response to the growing political influence of the Asian American community, a new southern Brooklyn district was established during the redistricting. Here, Democrat Susan Zhuang defeated Republican Ying Tan.
Republican Victories and Democratic Defense in Queens
Republican Vickie Paladino defeated Democrat Tony Avella in northern Queens. In contrast, moderate Democrat Melinda Katz secured an easy win against Republican Michael Mossa’s attempt to portray her as a far-left progressive soft on crime.
Justin Brannan Triumphs Over “Toxic Tribalism”
In southern Brooklyn, Brannan celebrated his win as a victory over “toxic tribalism,” promising to serve all constituents, irrespective of their political affiliation. Despite internal opposition, including from Brooklyn’s Democratic Party leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Brannan’s campaign persevered.
Bichotte Hermelyn congratulated Brannan, asserting his service would “improve the lives” of Brooklyn residents.
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