His closest contest came in his second attempt when he was defeated by then - New York City Comptroller Abe Beame in a runoff primary .
Badillo sought the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York in 1969 , 1973 , 1977 , 1981 and 1985 .
Badillo 's closest contest came in his second attempt when he was defeated by then New York     City Comptroller Abe Beame in a runoff primary .
Badillo sought the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York in 1969 , 1973 , 1977 , 1981 and 1985 .