Yusef Salaam, Exonerated “Central Park Five” Member, Wins Democratic Primary for New York City Council Seat

Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated “Central Park Five,” has won the Democratic primary for a seat on the New York City Council, all but assuring him of eventual victory.

The Associated Press refrained from calling the race on election night but additional votes released Wednesday showed Salaam to be the clear winner. Salaam was wrongly accused, convicted and imprisoned as a teenager for the rape and beating of a white jogger in Central Park.

“Many doubted us along the way, but this was a campaign based on change,” Salaam said after AP called the race. “We are going to have a new way of doing things in the city council, and I am excited to be a part of that.”

Salaam ran on a platform of criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and education. He also promised to bring a new perspective to the council, as a political novice and a formerly incarcerated person.

“I am humbled and honored to be the Democratic nominee for the 10th District of the New York City Council,” Salaam said. “This is a victory for all of us who have been fighting for justice and equality.”

The 10th District is located in the Bronx and includes the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, and Norwood. Salaam will face Republican candidate Robert C. Rodriguez in the November general election.