Republicans picked up a state Senate seat in Brooklyn, according to unofficial election returns Tuesday.
Retired NYPD sergeant Steven Chan handily defeated first-term Democratic incumbent Iwen Chu in southern Brooklyn’s 17th District that encompasses Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Sunset Park.
With more than 90% of the precincts reporting, Chan received 27,865 votes or 55% to 22,5990 or 45% for Chu.
Chu narrowly won the seat two years ago in a newly drawn district with a heavy Asian American constituency.
Chan is also a US marine and education activist.
“We are thrilled to pick up a Republican seat in New York City and welcome the first Asian-American Republican State Senator to our conference,” said state Senate Republican Minority Leader Robert Ortt.
“Tonight, Kings County overwhelmingly made their voices heard and demanded real change in their state government,” Ortt said.
“I applaud Steve Chan and his campaign on their victory and look forward to working with Senator- elect Chan and the rest of our colleagues in the Republican Conference to make New York safer and more affordable,” he added.
“Kings County picked the best candidate tonight. Our Conference stands ready to continue our work, and we will not rest until it’s done.”
In Queens’ District 11, 24-year Democratic incumbent Toby Stavisky won re-election, beating back a strong challenge from Republican Yiatin Chu, the founder of the Asian-Wave Alliance that champions merit-based education, including preserving entrance standards at specialized high schools as well as school choice.
Stavisky, 85, received about 53% or 46,604 votes to 47% or 41, 576 for Chu.
Asian-Americans now make up about 40% of District 11, which covers College Point, Whitestone, Douglaston, Glen Oaks, Hollis Hills, Bellerose Manor and parts of Bay Terrace, Astoria, Oakland Gardens and Jamaica Hills.
