Bill de Blasio is the early front-runner, garnering nearly 40 percent of the vote in the New York Democratic primary mayoral race, reports NY1. De Blasio, who is currently the city's public advocate, made waves in the last few weeks, not only with his liberal take on issues like ending stop and frisk but also with the support of his African-American wife, Chirlane, and their two biracial children.
With nearly 20% of precincts reporting, de Blasio had 38% of the Democratic vote, leading William Thompson's 25% and Christine Quinn's 16% …
Lhota had 49% of the Republican vote to John Catsimatidis' 43%.
Specifically, a campaign commercial featuring de Blasio's son, Dante, endorsing his father for mayor impressed many voters, putting the public advocate ahead of Bill Thompson, the only African-American candidate, in securing the city's black vote. The Associated Press also reports that exit-poll numbers show de Blasio leading competitor Christine Quinn in other niche groups of New Yorkers.
Exit polling showed the appeal of de Blasio, the city's elected public advocate, to be broad-based: He was ahead in all five boroughs; was ahead of Thompson, the only African-American candidate, with black voters and ahead of Quinn, the lone woman in the race, with female voters. He also led Quinn, who is openly gay, among gay voters.
Final voting numbers were still being tallied at press time, but Democratic hopeful Anthony Weiner recently delivered his concession speech. If a candidate earns more than 40 percent of the vote, he or she will avoid a runoff in October.