State Sen. Martin Dilan, one of the real estate industry’s favorite candidates, lost his primary on Thursday to controversial socialist candidate Julia Salazar.
The 27-year-old Salazar defeated Dilan in his primary to represent the Brooklyn district that spans parts of Williamsburg, Bushwick and Cypress Hills, according to the New York Daily News. She was victorious despite several controversial disclosures about her birthplace and heritage, her ties to Republicans and her previous position against abortion.
Dilan faced controversy in the race as well, as he failed to properly report thousands of dollars in campaign contributions dating back to 2016. This included donations from the Real Estate Board of New York.
Dilan had accepted more money — $325,400 — from the real estate industry since 1999 than almost any other state Senate Democrat. The sole politician who raked in more than him was former IDC leader Jeff Klein, who lost his primary last night as well to Alessandra Biaggi. [NYDN] – Eddie Small