Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) conceded to Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn) on Tuesday in Howard Beach after the votes were tallied in the latter’s favor in the crowded special election for public advocate.
Ulrich was at Russo’s on the Bay, a popular ballroom in Queens located at 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd., when he gave his concession speech.
Despite his second place loss, Ulrich looked at the bright side of his campaign in a blue state.
“To the tens of thousands of people who came to vote for me tonight, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Ulrich. “The good news is we came in second place, there were 17 people on the ballot.”
During the election, Ulrich walked away with Queens and Staten Island with 19 percent of the 396,000 votes that were counted on Feb. 26, according to NY1.
Public Advocate-elect Williams had 33 percent of the preliminary votes. He easily won his home borough of Brooklyn and most of Manhattan. The Bronx went to fourth place candidate Assemblyman Michael Blake (D-Bronx). Some of Manhattan went to third place candidate and former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
“Thank you New York City,” said Williams. “I will promise that your voice will be heard wherever I am in our great city.”
As public advocate, Williams will be serving as a regulator over the rest of the city agencies, according to nyc.gov.
Ulrich was the first challenger who was campaigning against Williams to congratulate the public advocate-elect.
“I just got off the phone with Public Advocate-elect Jumaane Williams,” said Ulrich. “I’m going to work very closely with him to make sure he does a good job on behalf of the city and the people that we are all proud to represent.”
Ulrich may have another shot at the public advocate seat later this year if he decides to run on the Republic ticket in the primary in June and he could run against Williams for the role in the general election in November.
