Letitia James has just made history. James, a councilwoman who represents Brooklyn, has essentially won the position of Public Advocate in New York City.

James beat State Senator Daniel Squadron in a runoff. Since there is no Republican candidate, James has won the position.

From NBC New York:

Councilwoman Letitia James won the Democratic public advocate runoff on Tuesday, becoming the party’s nominee and all but assuring she will become the city’s elected watchdog, and the first black woman to hold citywide office.

[…] “Over the weeks and months this has been an intense journey but one worth taking,” James said in her victory speech. “There’s so much more work to do because the next generation of New Yorkers are at risk of losing the opportunities that allowed us to make it in this city.”

Read more at NBC New York

 

While the public advocate position has very little power, it’s become a springboard for higher office. Bill de Blasio who currently holds the position, is the Democratic nominee for mayor.
If James wins November’s election, she would rand second only to the mayor.

Congratulations to Letitia James!

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Are you surprised that she will become the first black woman to hold citywide office in New York?

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