Two special elections have wrapped this Tuesday, Election Day, ushering in two new State Assembly members in the 60th and 72nd Districts. These districts cover areas in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The 60th Assembly District encompasses East New York, Starrett City, New Lots, and Canarsie neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Long-time community leader Democrat Nikki Lucas was elected to replace former Assemblymember Charles Barron in the 60th over Working Families Party candidate Keron Alleyne and Republican Marvin J. King. She scored 78.32% of the votes for an overwhelming victory, according to unofficial election night results.
Lucas’ campaign got a major boost last week when Brooklynites Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Letitia James endorsed her for assembly.
“Our community has spoken loud and clear, and I am so humbled to now be elected Democratic representative from East New York, Starrett City, Brownsville, and Canarsie. Tonight is the result of what happens when we center real change, build coalitions, and demand a just future that includes truly affordable housing, quality public schools, and accessible health care for all,” said Lucas in a statement.
Lucas thanked her voting base of family, clergy, NYCHA, tenant leaders, laborers, working class residents, and her political club for believing in her. “It is my honor to continue to serve the people of this district, here and in Albany,” she said.
The 72nd Assembly District covers Washington Heights, Hudson Heights, Fort George, and Marble Hill in Manhattan. Former Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa resigned from her seat when she was elected to city council District 10 to replace former Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.
Democrat Manny De Los Santos won 61.23% of the votes, beating out Republican candidate Edwin De La Cruz and Uptown Rises candidate Nayma Silver-Matos, according to the unofficial election night results.
De Los Santos was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Washington Heights. He served as a district leader for the 72nd Assembly District-Part B, reported Patch.
De Los Santos couldn’t be reached for comment by post time.
Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w