[Editor’s Note: This story reflects the latest numbers as of 11:30 a.m. on June 23.]
Some LGBTQ candidates appear to be in strong position, others are trailing, and several races appear to be neck-and-neck — but many of the competitions could remain in limbo for weeks.
The large slate of LGBTQ candidates running for office up and down the ballot in Democratic primary races stepped to the plate on June 22 for a pivotal election night that featured major citywide competitions as well as local City Council matchups and judicial contests. The election marked a major opportunity for queer political candidates to maintain or grow the City Council’s LGBT Caucus at a time when all four remaining out LGBTQ city lawmakers are exiting office in less than a year. One city lawmaker elected in the last cycle, Ritchie Torres of the Bronx, left the City Council when he was elected to Congress last year.
The ranked-choice voting process will take time and absentee ballots still must be counted, leaving many competitions unsettled for now — and results will not be finalized until July 12.
In the citywide race for comptroller, Council Speaker Corey Johnson is trailing Brooklyn Councilmember Brad Lander, 31 to 23 percent. If elected, Johnson would be the first out LGBTQ person elected to citywide office in New York City.
