[2] In the general election, Dilan won the seat with 87% and defeated three third party candidates.

[3] In 2003, he was challenged in the Democratic primary by just one candidate, State Senator Nellie R. Santiago, and defeated her 65%–35%.

While there, he refused to allow a bill to count all vacant properties in the city out of committee.

This was met with a sleep-out outside his office by activists with Picture the Homeless[8] He illegally acquired an "affordable housing" unit for which he exceeded the allowable income to qualify because of his connections in the real estate industry.

[9] After redistricting, he decided to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-Williamsburg) for New York's 7th congressional district.