De Blasio Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary

Thompson, in second place, may still reach run-off

Bill de Blasio, the come-from-behind mayoral candidate in a field crowded with seasoned operatives, appeared to have won enough votes to put him over the 40 percent threshold, possibly avoiding a run-off election with the second-place finisher, Bill Thompson.

With 97.63 percent of precincts reporting, de Blasio earned 40.19 percent. Thompson received 26.04 percent.

According to the New York Times, however, thousands of paper ballots had not yet been counted as the candidates gave victory or concessions speeches at their headquarters late last night. The vote-counting “could take days,” so New Yorkers may not know immediately if de Blasio’s slim margin over 40 percent holds.

If the final ballot count gives Thompson an edge, a run-off election will be held October 1. The winner of that contest will face the Republican mayoral nominee, Joseph J. Lhota, on November 5.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn placed third in the primary with 15.52 percent, a crushing turn of events for the longtime pol, who many viewed as Bloomberg’s successor. Despite endorsements from the New York Times, New York Daily News and the New York Post (and GO Magazine), voters took out their frustration with Bloomberg-era policies on Quinn.

In other citywide races, outgoing Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer won the race for comptroller over former governor Eliot Spitzer, 52.18 percent to 47.82 percent. In the Public Advocate race, former City Council member Letitia James faces a run-off with former State Senator Daniel Squadron. Neither reached the 40 percent threshold.

In one of the most vitriolic City Council races, community activists Yetta Kurland and Corey Johnson vied for Christine Quinn’s former seat representing District 3. Johnson ended up winning the seat.


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