Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has won the Democratic primary for New York City comptroller. His win ends disgraced ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s surprise bid to reclaim his political career.

Stringer has a 52-percent-to-48-percent lead over Spitzer in incomplete and unofficial returns Tuesday night, with 92 percent of precincts reporting.

Stringer has spent 20 years as borough president and a state assemblyman. He was heavily favored in the comptroller race before Spitzer jumped into it in July.

Stringer portrayed himself as a knowledgeable public servant. He emphasized the scandal that spurred Spitzer’s 2008 resignation.

Stringer will face Republican and other candidates in November.

(AP)