Mark Levine: Campaigns and Elections
Mark Levine's electoral career has progressed steadily from a narrow loss in a State Senate primary through Council and Borough President victories to winning citywide office as Comptroller. This section walks through each campaign in order, with results and context, citing primary or strong secondary sources.
A note up front: Levine's electoral trajectory is an unusual example of a politician who ran, lost his first race, and then won progressively larger offices at each subsequent step. All are covered here.
2010: A State Senate loss
Levine's first run for office was the 2010 Democratic primary for the 31st State Senate District, where he finished second in a four-way race behind eventual winner Adriano Espaillat, with about 38 percent of the vote 1. The strong second-place finish in a competitive field demonstrated his political viability in northern Manhattan and redirected his ambitions toward the City Council.
2013: Elected to the City Council
Levine was elected to the City Council in 2013 to represent the 7th District in upper Manhattan, a diverse district covering West Harlem, Morningside Heights, Washington Heights, and parts of the Upper West Side 1. He took office in January 2014. The win launched the Council career that produced his major legislative achievements.
2017: Re-election
Levine won re-election to the Council in 2017 without serious opposition, securing a second term and consolidating his position in the district 3. The comfortable win reflected his standing in the heavily Democratic area.
2021: Elected Manhattan Borough President
Levine won election as Manhattan Borough President in 2021 in a competitive race, defeating State Senator Brad Hoylman in the Democratic primary by about 7 percentage points in a ranked-choice-voting contest and then defeating Republican Lou Puliafito in the general election 14. He was endorsed by Congressman Espaillat, Congresswoman Velazquez, and numerous labor unions 1. The win elevated him to lead the borough.
2025: Elected Comptroller
After Comptroller Brad Lander decided to run for mayor, Levine entered the 2025 Comptroller race. He won the Democratic primary with about 48 percent of the vote, defeating Brooklyn Council Member Justin Brannan (about 34 percent) and others, and won the general election on November 4, 2025, defeating Republican Peter Kefalas and others in a ranked-choice contest 54. He was sworn in on January 1, 2026 5. The win made him a citywide elected official and the city's chief fiscal watchdog.
Fundraising and electoral profile
Levine has been a strong fundraiser across his campaigns, building a competitive financial position for each race 1. His progressive-labor coalition has been the foundation of his electoral strength, providing both organizational support and funding. His growing margins and widening electoral reach reflect an upward trajectory.
Electoral pattern and analysis
Levine's electoral record is one of steady, upward progression: A competitive loss in 2010, comfortable Council tenure, a contested but decisive Borough President primary, and a strong Comptroller primary win. Each step up has been built on the endorsements and coalitions developed at the prior level.
The pattern is that of a progressive politician whose combination of policy expertise, social-entrepreneurship credentials, and community roots has translated into growing electoral strength across increasingly large constituencies. His trajectory from a northern Manhattan Council district to a citywide office is a notable example of progressive advancement through the ranks of New York City politics.
Summary of electoral results
2010 New York State Senate (District 31): Lost primary (finished second, ~38%).
2013 NYC Council (District 7): Won; re-elected 2017.
2021 Manhattan Borough President: Won Democratic primary (defeated Brad Hoylman by ~7%); won general.
2025 NYC Comptroller: Won Democratic primary (~48% vs Brannan ~34%); won general (November 4, 2025); sworn in January 1, 2026.