Democratic primary voters yesterday took a major step toward electing the first two openly gay New York City Council members from the borough of Queens.

    City public school teacher Danny Dromm upset incumbent Helen Sears who was seeking a third term in the city's 25th district which includes parts of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Rego Park. Jimmy Van Bramer, a Queens Public Library executive, finished first in a field of three candidates in the 26th District which includes Woodside, Sunnyside and Long Island City. 

    In many parts of NYC, a Democratic primary win is tantamount to election because of Republican opposition is often weak or non-existent.

    Dromm defeated Sears 49 percent to 40 percent, while Van Bramer defeated his closest rival. Deirdre Feerick 46 percent to 37 percent, according to unofficial results.