Brannan declares victory in contentious District 47 council race

Democratic Council Member Justin Brannan looks to have secured a victory Tuesday night over his Republican colleague and opponent Ari Kagan in the contest for a southern Brooklyn council seat, capping off the most hotly contested race in this sleepy election cycle.

Brannan secured himself a third term in the council, leading with 58.18% of the vote with 97% of scanners reporting, according to unofficial Board of Elections results,  and taking the race in a wide margin despite expectations of a close race.