Donovan Richards and Elizabeth Crowley (Campaign photos)
July 3, 2021 By Christian Murray
Donovan Richards has stretched his lead over Elizabeth Crowley in the tight Democratic primary for Queens Borough President.
Richards, the incumbent, is ahead of Crowley by 3,313 votes following the implementation of ranked choice voting, according to the results released by the NYC Board of Elections Friday night. However, the race is far from over with 35,550 absentee ballots still to be counted.
The margin that separated the pair on election night was 2,076 votes—based on 95 percent of the scanners of first-choice votes.
The lead increased to 2,481 after the remainder of first choice votes were counted and before ranked choice voting went into effect.
Richards’ lead increased once again when the third candidate in the race—Jimmy Van Bramer—was eliminated and Van Bramer’s second choice votes were tabulated.
Richards wound up with 78,752 votes, or 51.1 percent of the count, after the completion of ranked choice voting, ahead of Elizabeth Crowley who brought in 75,439 votes or 48.9 percent.
The incumbent was viewed as the strong favorite going into the race, having taken office in December after winning a primary and special election last year.
He had the backing of the major unions and elected leaders. However, Crowley had the money.
She spent $1,188,572 on the campaign, while Richards spent $557,530, according to June 11 campaign finance filings.
Richards’ current term ends Dec. 31, since he is completing what would have been Melinda Katz’s term.
The BOE will not be releasing the results with absentee ballots included until at least July 6. The results are expected to be certified the week of July 12 or later.
