Yusef Salaam, Exonerated Central Park Five Member, Emerges as Front-runner in NYC Council Primary

Yusef Salaam, a member of the "Central Park Five" who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated, is leading in the Democratic primary for a New York City Council seat representing Harlem. Salaam, who served nearly seven years in prison, capitalized on his celebrity and the symbolism of his case to gain support. The outcome of the election is uncertain due to New York's ranked choice voting system, but Salaam declared victory and his closest competitor conceded. If he wins the primary, Salaam is likely to win the general election in the heavily Democratic district.