Clarke, Cunningham Win Crown Heights Vote by Wide Margin
Incumbent Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham secured commanding victories in Democratic primary races as Crown Heights’ growing political influence remained in focus.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Incumbent Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham scored decisive victories Tuesday night in local Democratic primary races, according to updated New York City Board of Elections results.
The results came after weeks of voter outreach, competing endorsement campaigns, and increased political awareness across Crown Heights ahead of a primary election that is often viewed as more consequential than the general election in heavily Democratic districts.
In the race for New York’s 9th Congressional District, Clarke won handily with 29,342 votes, or 68.68% of ballots cast. Challenger Mike Goldfarb received 6,521 votes, or 15.26%, while Joshua Bristol received 6,314 votes, or 14.78%. Results were reported with 97.92% of scanners counted. (NYC Board of Elections)
Clarke celebrated her win and delivered a victory speech alongside her community liaison Eli Slavin.
In the closely watched race for New York State Assembly District 43, incumbent Brian Cunningham defeated challenger Ahron Gluck by a wide margin.
Updated unofficial results showed Cunningham receiving 9,345 votes, representing 79.67% of the vote, while Gluck received 2,293 votes, or 19.56%. Write-in candidates received 91 votes. Results reflected 91.89% of scanners counted.
The Assembly race drew unusual attention in Crown Heights following competing endorsement campaigns by local political groups and increased efforts in recent years to expand voter participation in the community.
As COLlive previously reported, 5,076 votes were cast from the Jewish community in Crown Heights during the last general mayoral election, a figure often cited as evidence of the community’s expanding electoral influence.
While detailed precinct-level analysis is not yet available, early estimates circulating among political observers suggest roughly 1,800 of Gluck’s votes came from the Jewish community, with the remainder attributed largely to progressive voters seeking to unseat Cunningham.
Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a community activist who endorsed Cunningham, commented: “Brian has been a true friend to the Jewish community, and tonight we showed that we stand by those who stand by us. Mazel tov, Brian. We look forward to working together in the future for many more years.”
The results remain unofficial pending final certification by election authorities.
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