Democrat Donovan Richards has won the race for Queens borough president, commanding 67% of the vote.

The borough president-elect told NY1 he looks forward to “being the cheerleader and defender” of Queens, and is setting aim at its recovery post-pandemic.

“I’m going to work hard to ensure that this borough, especially the borough that was hit hardest by this pandemic, really is in a position to bounce back in a stronger way,” he said.

Critics have challenged Richards, saying he is too close to developers. But Richard argues he drives a hard bargain with developers and puts young people to work.

“It’s not about developers, it’s about ensuring that we have responsible growth, which can improve the quality of life of Queens residents,” said Richards.

He pointed to some of his past work in the Rockaways, where he helped implement 10,000 units of affordable housing, a $40 million library and secured $2 billion for infrastructure.

In the election, Richards was trailed by Republican Joann Ariola, who got just 30% of the vote, along with independent candidate Dao Yin.

It's been a long road for Queens voters in electing their new borough president.

When Melinda Katz stepped down to become Queens District Attorney, there was an interim borough president, then a special election that got called off due to coronavirus.

The primary vote took place over the summer.