Rep. Yvette Clarke Holds Lead In Divided Field

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Congresswoman Yvette Clarke can't yet claim victory in a hard-fought primary against a spate of challengers to her political right and left.

But results from Tuesday evening showed Clarke with about 62 percent of the vote — a clear lead over four other Democrats in the 9th District primary.

Some outlets declared her the winner, but the Associated Press held off projecting her victory until thousands of absentee ballots are counted in a week. Clarke, as of Wednesday morning, hadn't declared victory herself.

What's clear is Clarke's nearest rival — progressive favorite Adem Bunkeddeko — would need absentee votes to swing his primary day's 18 percent standing. It's a shift from 2018 when Bunkeddeko nearly upset Clarke in the Democratic primary.

Bunkeddeko issued a statement Wednesday urging patience until the absentee ballots — of which 70,000 were requested in the district — are counted.

"Last night was just the beginning of the process, and we have a long road before the results are finalized," he said. "I have faith in our vision for change, and I am excited for the remainder of the votes to be counted."

Clarke, at least in the voting on Tuesday, appears to have benefited from a divided field. She not only faced Bunkeddeko, but another progressive challenger in Isiah James. From her right, city Councilman Chaim Deutsch also made a bid for the seat, alongside former Republican candidate Lutchi Gayot.

Clarke also ran a vigorous campaign that included endorsements from high-profile national politicians like Nancy Pelosi and local officials. It also prompted accusations of racism from Bunkeddeko over a flyer — a charge her staff vigorously denied.

The 9th Congressional District includes Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay and more.