In 1985, he ran in the Democratic primary for President of the New York City Council, but was defeated by Andrew Stein,[2] coming in third among six candidates.
He was accused of funneling part of the money received from the State by a non-profit organization into his own pockets, and of lying to a bank while asking for a personal loan.
Abrams cited a decision of October 1988 by the New York Court of Appeals which ruled that any federal felony conviction also automatically vacates a seat in the State Legislature.
[8] On May 26, Temporary President of the State Senate Ralph J. Marino announced that he would file a statement with Governor Mario Cuomo that the seat formerly occupied by Ruiz was now vacant.
In September 1997, Ruiz challenged the incumbent Borough President of the Bronx Fernando Ferrer in the Democratic primary, but was defeated.