Primary '14

Klein defeats Koppell by over 6-4 margin

Posted

Updated on Wednesday.

State Sen. Co-majority Leader Jeff Klein defeated his Democratic primary challenger Oliver Koppell on Tuesday night, according to initial results.

The incumbent declared victory after receiving a phone call from Mr. Koppell, who conceded defeat around 10:50 p.m.

“This was a campaign that meant a lot to me, and it should mean a lot to you,” Mr. Klein told supporters at Maestro’s Caterers in Morris Park.

Results showed the senator winning 66.8 percent of the vote and Mr. Koppell garnering 33.2 percent of ballots n the low-turnout race, with 97 percent of precincts in the 34th state Senate district reporting.

Mr. Klein’s victory came at the end of a bitter race that divided Riverdale, a bastion of support for both candidates, and threatened to change the dynamic of power in Albany.

“What we did was take a step back and say that we can do better,” Mr. Klein said of his role on the Senate leadership. “It’s about you. It’s about making government work. We could have very well sat on the sidelines.”

In other races, Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera appeared on track to stave off a challenge from Councilman Fernando Cabrera as of press time. State Sen. Adriano Espaillat of the 31st state Senate district, which includes Marble Hill, also appeared to maintain a secure hold on his seat.

Early results showed Mr. Rivera winning in the 33rd district by a roughly 60-40 margin and Mr. Espaillat earning about 50 percent of the vote, more than his two challengers.

In Riverdale’s 34th state Senate district, Mr. Koppell launched his underdog candidacy contending that Mr. Klein’s power-sharing agreement with Senate Republicans marked a betrayal of the Democratic Party.

Under pressure from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others this summer, Mr. Klein said he would form a new coalition between his group of breakaway Democrats and the mainstream Democratic Conference after the November general ballot.

Speaking to a small group of supporters inside his Riverdale campaign office, Mr. Koppell said he had no regrets about running against Mr. Klein, one of the most powerful lawmakers in Albany.

“It’s over and it’s ending on a high note,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we did.”

At a campaign rally over the weekend, Mr. Klein listed the Women’s Equality Agenda and the Dream Act to give undocumented immigrants tuition assistance as top priorities for the next legislative session.

Tanisia Morris and Maya Rajamani contributed reporting.

Story updated on Wednesday afternoon to reflect results after 97 percent of precincts reported.

Jeff Klein, Oliver Koppell, Gustavo Rivera, Fernando Cabrera, Adriano Espaillat, Robert Jackson, Shant Shahrigian

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