The results are in to determine the next district attorney of the Bronx.
On Tuesday, November 3, Democratic candidate Darcel Clark garnished nearly 86 percent of the borough’s votes in the election for the position, making her the first woman in the borough’s history to be a DA.
Clark, who ran against Republican and Conservative candidate Robert Siano, has over 25 years of combined experience at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the Bronx County Supreme Court.
At Clark’s ‘Election Night Get Together’, which took place at Eastwood Manor following the election voting, Clark thanked her supporters and outlined her plans for the next four years, such as handling prosecution, passing reforms to reduce violence and tackling issues on Rikers Island.
She also discussed her VISTA Plan, which will include a restructured DA’s office to minimize case transfers, public corruption and time sensitive solutions for victims and maximize active investigations.
“It has been incredibly inspiring to meet so many members of the community who are passionate about the Bronx,” said Clark, who stepped down from her position as justice in the First Department of the Appellate Division in New York State Supreme Court on Sunday, September 27 to make her run as Bronx DA.
“I stand truly humbled that the voters have provided me with this opportunity to serve as the first woman district attorney in our borough,” she said.
Runner-up Siano, Clark’s running opponent, who also has previous experience in the New York State Supreme Court, intended to focus on wrongful convictions, drug addiction amongst teenagers and young adults as well as gang violence if he was elected.
Although he only received 14 percent of the borough’s votes, he was very gracious in defeat as he reflected on the experience.
“Despite the results, the last five weeks of campaigning and getting my name out there has been a truly amazing opportunity that I never thought I would be a part of,” said Siano.
“Maybe this isn’t my time, but I have no regrets and I am looking forward to the opportunities that present themselves in the future.”
Siano, who will still focus on his priorities while continuing his private practice as an attorney, congratulated his opponent and thanked his supporters.
“I would like to congratulate District Attorney Darcel Clark for winning this election and thank my supporters for believing in me and helping me get my name out there.”
Clark replaces former DA Robert Johnson, who held the position since 1989 and won a judgeship to the state’s Supreme Court.
