Party leadership races settled in 81st Assembly District Democratic primary

Voters in the June 23 Democratic primary election not only selected who would move on to represent them in the general election for Congressional and state Assembly races, but also cast their ballots for several key local positions within the community, such as New York State Democratic Committee members and district leaders for the 81st New York State Assembly District.

Those holding Democratic party positions such as district leaders and state committee members do not make laws, but instead serve as volunteer liaisons between the community and county or state officials.

Female district leader

Abigail Martin won the primary race for female district leader for the 81st Assembly District, beating  Virginia Krompinger by securing 30 percent of the vote, with a total of nearly 5,600 votes with 96 percent of votes reported by press time, according to election night results from the New York City Board of Elections.

Martin’s campaign was endorsed by the Unity Democratic Club and state Sen. Gustavo Rivera.

Male district leader

Ben Jackson won the primary race for male district leader for the 81st Assembly District, beating  Izaiah “Zeek” Barrow by securing 28 percent of the vote, with a total of more than 5,000 votes, with 96 percent of votes reported by press time according to the New York City Board of Elections’ election night results.

Jackson’s campaign was endorsed by the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat and others.

Female state committee member

Johanna Edmondson won the primary race for female state committee member for the 81st Assembly District, beating Betsey Knapp by securing 32 percent of the vote, with nearly 5,900 votes, with 96 percent of votes reported by press time, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

Edmondson’s campaign was endorsed by the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat and others.

Male state committee member

Michael Heller won the primary race for male state committee member for the 81st Assembly District, beating Bereket Ghebremedhin by securing 30 percent of the vote, with more than 5,500 votes with 96 percent of votes reported by press time, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

Heller’s campaign was endorsed by the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat and others.