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Councilwoman Letitia James Elected City Public Advocate

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- City Councilwoman Letitia James beat out seven other candidates Tuesday to win the race for New York City public advocate.

James will replace Bill de Blasio, who was elected mayor Tuesday night. The candidates endorsed each other earlier this fall.

With 88 percent of the precincts reporting early Wednesday, James came in with 83 percent of the vote, compared with 13 percent for the next highest finisher – Conservative Party candidate Robert Maresca.

The public advocate position has little real power and an annual budget of just $2.1 million, a small fraction of the $13 million it cost the city to hold the runoff, which was required by law. But the post has become a springboard to higher office.

As public advocate, James will second only to the mayor, according to the city charter.

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