Nikki Lucas Declares Victory In East NY Assembly Race

EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN — Democrat-backed candidate Nikki Lucas has declared victory in Brooklyn's 60th Assembly District, bringing a new face to the seat for the first time in more than a decade.

Lucas, a local organizer, declared victory just an hour after polls closed in the special election on Tuesday, according to a statement online. Unofficial results from the New York City Board of Elections show she received more than 78 percent of votes in the district.

The BOE had recorded 98 percent of votes as of Wednesday morning.

Lucas' victory would mark the first time since 2009 that someone other than former Assemblymember Charles Barron or his wife, Inez Barron, will hold the seat in the state legislature. Barron resigned the seat last year to join City Council.

"Tonight is the result of what happens when we center real change, build coalitions and demand a just future that includes truly affordable housing, quality public schools and accessible health care for all," Lucas wrote in a statement. "It is my honor to continue to serve the people of this district here, and in Albany."

The 60th District — which stretches over East New York and Starrett City — was one of two special elections held in New York City on Tuesday. Upper Manhattan's Manny De Los Santos will also likely join the legislature, according to the results.

Lucas' most staunch opponent, Keron Alleyne, gained nearly 20 percent of the vote on Tuesday, results show. Alleyne had been backed by the Barrons, who he used to work for, and ran on the Working Family Party line.

Marvin J. King, who ran on the Conservative party line, received 2 percent of the vote, results show.

The Barrons have held both the City Council and Assembly seats in East New York since 2009. Most recently, Charles was re-elected to the 42nd City Council District seat after Inez retired, leaving the Assembly spot open, according to reports.

Tuesday marked the second time Lucas vied for one of the Barrons' long-held seats. She also faced off against Charles in his most recent City Council bid.

With the victory Tuesday, Lucas will hold the state seat for the rest of the year. It will be up for a Democratic primary next June, according to City and State.