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Mark Levine Leads Funding in Crowded 7th District City Council Race

By Nigel Chiwaya | January 17, 2013 9:54am
 Democratic District Leader Mark Levine has raced out to an early fundraising lead in for the 7th City Council District seat.
Democratic District Leader Mark Levine has raced out to an early fundraising lead in for the 7th City Council District seat.
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DNAinfo/ Carla Zanoni

NEW YORK CITY — Mark Levine holds an early lead in fundraising for Upper Manhattan's 7th City Council District seat, putting the Democrat at the forefront of the crowded race.

Levine, a Democratic District Leader who previously ran for City Council in 2009, collected just over $50,000 between August 2012 and January 2013. Levine's donors include actor Edward Norton and state Assemblyman Denny Farrell.

Levine, who's received endorsements from Farrell, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, and City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, expressed gratitude toward his supporters. "I have never felt better about the strong and diverse coalition we are building," Levine said in a statement.

Zead Ramadan, a former chairman of Community Board 12, is second in fundraising with $40,811 in contributions. Ramadan's campaign shows momentum; the campaign raised its total in just 11 days.

Three other candidates have crossed the $10,000 fundraising mark: Mark Otto, an assistant principal at a public high school; Cheryl Pahaham, a community leader, and Luis Tejada.

Nine candidates have filed to run for the 7th district seat, which is currently held by term-limited Councilman Robert Jackson. Jackson is running for Manhattan Borough President.