New Yorkers across the city voted to send a record number of LGBT candidates to the city council, electing three incumbents and three newcomers in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
Historic wins came in the outer boroughs, where Brooklyn’s Carlos Menchaca upset incumbent Sara Gonzalez in the District 38 race with 58% of the vote.
In the Bronx, voters in District 15 elected Ritchie Torres with 36 percent of the vote in a 6-way race. Both Menchaca and Torres will become the first openly gay councilmembers from their respective boroughs.
Incumbents Danny Dromm of District 25 and Jimmy Van Bramer of District 26 were unopposed in Tuesday’s primary elections, while District 2 Councilwoman Rosie Mendez fended off a primary challenge and secured a third term with 81 percent of the vote.
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Finally, Corey Johnson won the District 3 primary with 63 percent of the vote to succeed Council speaker Christine Quinn.
Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute, praised the outcome. “By electing these candidates tonight, New Yorkers took a major step toward a Council that truly reflects the incredible diversity of this city.”
All six candidates competed in heavily Democratic districts, making them virtually assured of victory in November.
