Public school teacher Jabari Brisport has declared victory in the State Senate race for Brooklyn's 25th District.
The democratic socialist led the race by more than 10,000 votes over second place candidate Assembly Member Tremaine Wright, after absentee ballots were counted.
On Thursday, Brisport declared victory in the race. He will be filling the seat vacated by long-term Senator Velmanette Montgomery that represents Bedford-Stuyvesant, Prospect Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Clinton Hill, Carroll Gardens and other democratic west Brooklyn neighborhoods..
Brisport, who will be the first openly queer person of color in New York's legislature, said the victory was about the movement to build a city that worked for the working class and people of color.
"It was built by over 1,000 volunteers who donated their time and energy to this fight in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, and small donors who contributed in record-breaking numbers because they believed in a candidate funded by the people, not corporations," he said.
Wright has not officially conceded in the race. However, Patch reported she sent an email to supporters acknowleging that she was trailing in the ballot count and she said would he hold a virtual meeting to announce the final results.
Brisport is the latest of Democratic Socialists of America backed candidates to win their governing race in Brooklyn state and assembly districts. Phara Souffrant Forrest claimed victory against incumbent Assembly Member Walter Mosley in the 57th Assembly District and in north Brooklyn, Emily Gallager beat out veteran legislator Assembly Member Joseph Lentol. In west Brooklyn, Marcela Mitaynes defeated incumbent Assembly Member Felix Ortiz.
On Twitter, the New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America wrote: " "DSA is incredibly proud to have supported five socialist candidates of color for the New York State legislature. These wins show that NYC-DSA is a political force to be reckoned with across the city."
