[1] In November 1912, Salant ran on the Progressive ticket, with Independence League endorsement, for the New York State Senate (19th D.).
He was declared elected by a plurality of 36 votes, defeating Democrat George W. Simpson and the incumbent Republican Josiah T. Newcomb.
[2] The Senate voted to pay Salant the full year's legislative salary, but Gov.
William Sulzer vetoed an additional appropriation of $2,000 to pay for Salant's expenses and legal fees stemming from the contested election case.
[3] In 1914 and 1916, Salant ran again for the State Senate but was both times defeated, first by Simpson, then by Edward J. Dowling.