By Bianca Fortis
An attempt by disgraced former state Assemblyman Vito Lopez to return to office failed after his opponent in the Democratic primary for City Council District 34, Antonio Reynoso, won the Democratic primary election Tuesday night.
Reynoso received 49.3 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press, while Lopez was left with 37.3 percent.
Gladys Santiago received 7.9 percent of the vote, while Humberto Soto attracted 5.5 percent.
The 34th Council District encompasses Ridgewood along with Bushwick and Williamsburg.
In May Lopez stepped down from his position as a state assemblyman amid allegations that he sexually harassed some of his female employees. He had served in the role since 1986.
Reynoso worked as a community organizer after graduating from college. He has been chief of staff for the current councilwoman in the district, Diana Reyna, since 2009. Reyna will leave office because she has expired her term limits.
In City Council District 32, which represents Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Woodhaven and the Rockaways, Lew Simon emerged victorious in the Democratic primary. He received 65.1 percent of the vote and his opponent, William Ruiz, received 34.9 percent.
Simon will face off against the incumbent, City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) in the general election Nov. 5.
Reach reporter Bianca Fortis by email at bfortis@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
