Democratic Socialist Julia Salazar won the New York Democratic primary for State Senate last night.
She defeated longtime politician Martin Dilan who was running for his ninth term for the 18th District. The race was a long, and sometimes even dramatic one.
Her win signals another victory for the Democratic Socialists of America. The group endorsed her and other high profile candidates in the city like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A press release from the DSA outlined that Salazar is the “first open socialist in the New York State legislature in nearly a century.”
“This primary was about the movement of socialists, tenants, immigrants, and working New Yorkers who are ready for a change in Albany,” said Bianca Cunningham, NYC-DSA co-chair via the press release. “We are excited to hit the ground running with new leadership in Albany to make the priorities of working people a reality.”
Local officials, including Antonio Reynoso tweeted their support yesterday.
Rarely enforced ballot tweeting....but ill be safe. Here is what i did folks: — Antonio Reynoso (@CMReynoso34) September 13, 2018
Cynthia Nixon, Jumaane Williams, Letitia James, Julia Salazar, Maritza Davila.#youalready
Rafael Espinal also took to Twitter.
Congrats to everyone on their big wins yesterday. Looking forward to working to move NY forward.
— Rafael L Espinal Jr. (@RLEspinal) September 14, 2018
Salazar’s victory post reminded supporters that her win was about the grassroots movement that helped her platform.
Tonight’s victory is not about me.
Tonight’s victory is about New Yorkers coming together and choosing to fight against rising rents and homelessness in our communities.
Together, we will build a better New York.#NY4TheMany pic.twitter.com/Qi3lyjNdoz
— Julia Salazar for State Senate (@SalazarSenate18) September 14, 2018
Stay tuned for more primary updates and midterm election coverage to come.