letitia james leads historic gains in new york primary

Thursday’s primary election in New York state saw some impressive gains not only by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, but on behalf of diversity in state leadership. Letitia James, a longtime friend of AFROPUNK from her time as a Brooklyn councilwoman, made history by becoming the first Black woman to win a state-wide nomination for a major party, beating three other challengers for state attorney general.

James wasn’t the only woman to win big last night. Alessandra Biaggi pulled out an upset victory over State Senator Jeff Klein (Bronx), leader of the nefarious Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), a group of Senate Democrats who caucused with Republicans, thus dragging down any notion of a progressive agenda. In fact six of the IDC gang of eight lost primaries, making their “independent” caucus null and void. Among the other young minority Democrats who toppled IDC members are Jessica Ramos, who beat incumbent Senator Jose Peralta to represent the immigrant-heavy population of Queens, and Zellnor Myrie, a progressive newcomer who defeated incumbent Jesse Hamilton in the Brooklyn district that includes the neighborhoods of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Prospect Heights, Lefferts Gardens, and Sunset Park.

Great news for progressive Dems bringing the energy to take back the statehouses, Capitol Hill and the country, in the quest to reign in President Crazy Man this November.