Persistence appears to be paying off. That’s the lesson of Rob Consalvo’s win in the preliminary election to the City Council Tuesday. For nearly two years, Consalvo has been a ubiquitous presence on Boston’s political scene — patiently door-knocking and tirelessly glad-handing the city’s activists.

In November, he tried for a spot as one of Boston’s at-large councilors only to see his efforts fall short. Shortly after last fall’s council elections, there was rampant speculation that Michael Flaherty of South Boston, Stephen Murphy of West Roxbury, or Mickey Roache of Dorchester would leave their at-large posts, thus giving Consalvo a spot on the council. But it never happened. When Governor Jane Swift appointed Hyde Park district councilor Dan Conley as Suffolk County District Attorney to fill the vacancy created when Ralph Martin stepped down, Consalvo jumped in to the race to replace him.

As for the implications of the election, the biggest one is this. Mayor Tom Menino gains another young ally — along with Flaherty, Brian Honan of Brighton, Michael Ross of Beacon Hill, and Paul Scapicchio of the North End — on the legislative body. Consalvo must continue his dogged pace when he faces off against Adrianna Cillo, a former Conley aide, in the final election on June 4.