Erik Martin Dilan

Erik Martin Dilan (born May 11, 1974) is a Democratic politician who currently represents the 54th District of the New York Assembly which comprises the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bushwick, Cypress Hills, East New York, Ocean Hill, and Brownsville. Formerly, he represented District 37 in the New York City Council from 2002 to 2014.

Dilan graduated from Norman Thomas High School, Philippa Schuyler Middle School, and P.S. 151. He later graduated from St. John’s University, earning an A.S. in Business Administration.

He was a member of Community School Board 32.

Elections

In 2001, incumbent Democrat NYC Councilman Martin Malave Dilan of the 37th Council District decided to retire in order to run for the New York Senate. His son Erik decided to run for his father's seat. He won the Democratic primary with a plurality of 33% of the vote. In the general election, Dilan won the seat with 87% and defeated three third party candidates. In 2003, he was challenged in the Democratic primary by just one candidate, State Senator Nellie R. Santiago, and defeated her 65%-35%. He won re-election to second term with 92% of the vote. In 2005, he was unopposed in the primary and won re-election to a third term with 84% of the vote. In 2007, he wasn't challenged at all to win a fourth term. In 2009, won re-election to a fifth term with 87% of the vote.

Committee assignments

He was chair of the Council's Housing & Buildings Committee, while also serving on the Rules, Privileges & Elections, Zoning & Franchises, and Rules committees.

After redistricting, he decided to challenge incumbent Democrat U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY). He said “We’ve had an incumbent who has been there for 20 years and she’s done little with the post. She’s going to have to justify after 20 years of nothing, why she should remain in office.”