Politics & Government

Primary Coverage: Races For Assembly, District Leader On the Line [UPDATED]

Spotty turnout reported throughout Brooklyn and citywide as Democratic candidate Walter Mosley tops challengers in race for Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries' seat.

Welcome to Patch's coverage of the New York State Primary.

With polls about to close at 9 p.m., we'll be tracking the results in two area races: First, for the likely successor to outgoing Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, D-Fort Greene, as well as .

We'll also be keeping a close eye on former Fort Greene resident Lincoln Restler's closely watched contest for another term as District Leader in the recently redrawn 50th Assembly District. Restler, an outspoken reform candidate, is up against a candidate backed by .

Find out what's happening in Fort Greene-Clinton Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stay tuned.

Update: 9:27 p.m.: Polls are now closed and results are beginning to trickle in precinct by precinct.

Find out what's happening in Fort Greene-Clinton Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Martine Guerrier, who is running an underdog campaign despite a high profile endorsement by the New York Times, expressed frustration with the state's balloting system and what she called needlessly confusing polling place location changes for some 57th Assembly District residents.

"It's already a low turnout election and the last thing you want to do is discourage the people who actually want to vote," Guerrier said.

Olanike Alabi said her campaign was "patiently awaiting the results" and remained "cautiously optimistic."

Walter Mosley, considered to be the favorite in the race to replace Jeffries, is currently at in Fort Greene awaiting the results.

Update, 10:20 p.m.: With 5 percent of precincts reporting, Mosley is leading with 64.5 percent of the vote, Alabi with 29.3 percent and Guerrier with 6.2 percent, according to the New York Times.

Update, 10:44 p.m.: Jeffries and Councilwoman Letitia James, D-Fort Greene, are at Cornerstone celebrating what is increasingly looking like a good night for Mosley.

With 33 percent of precincts reporting, the Clinton Hill Democrat leads with 68.6 percent of the vote, according to the Times.

For more on Mosley, .

Update, 11:05 p.m.: Councilman Jumaane Williams, D-Flatbush, lashed out at Board of Elections officials in a statement on Thursday:

"It’s crazy out here. Many people don’t know where to vote. They are ping-ponging between voter sites," Williams said. "People are frustrated... A poll worker was close to tears. I can’t believe it.”

Update, 11:25 p.m.: It's not looking good for Restler, who is running to represent his new district covering Williamsburg and Greenpoint against Lopez-backed candidate Chris Olechowski. 

Still no word on the 57th Female District Leader race.

Update, 11:49 p.m.: Before we check out for the night, here's one last look at the numbers in the 57th Assembly District race:

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Mosley leads with 62.8 percent of the vote. Alabi comes in with 30.3 percent, Guerrier trails with 6.9 percent.

And perhaps most telling on this rare Thursday primary night: With only 1 percent of precincts left unaccounted for, a total of 6,822 votes have been cast for the three candidates in a district encompassing all of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and a sliver of Bed-Stuy.

Update, Friday, Sept. 14, 1:16 a.m.: It's official. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Mosley has come out on top in the 57th Assembly District. 


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