NEW YORK — On Tuesday, Mark Levine was all set to win the Democratic primary for city comptroller, highlighting a relatively low-profile contest that largely centered around President Donald Trump.
Levine, who serves as the Manhattan borough president, defeated City Council Member Justin Brannan with 48 votes compared to Brannan's 34, based on 94 percent of precincts reporting, as per initial data from the New York City Board of Elections. This outcome was a setback for both Brannan personally and for the city’s established leftist groups, which had supported the Brooklyn politician.
"You offered the citizens of this city the belief that we can create more affordable homes, mend our fractured mental healthcare system, and combat the chaos caused by the individual in the Oval Office. We have the ability to utilize the position of comptroller to achieve these goals," Levine said to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters on Tuesday evening.
The two main contenders in the election shared remarkably similar platforms and political leanings. What set them apart during a series of televised debates was their presentation styles. Levine came across as composed and intellectual, whereas Brannan adopted a rugged, tough-guy demeanor. has become popular this campaign cycle.
Brannan, who leads the council’s finance committee, was usually behind in polls but got a last-minute lift after receiving Senator Bernie Sanders' backing.
The approval from the standard-bearer of the left-wing faction and support from the Working Families Party weren’t enough to bridge the gap, since Brannan was behind Levine in terms of raising funds. Although Brannan secured victory in Brooklyn, Levine convincingly won Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
Levine is set to compete in the November general election where he’s anticipated to win easily. His opponent is probably going to be Republican Peter Kefalas, who had a strong lead on Tuesday evening.