The Political Landscape: A Deep Dive into State and Local Elections
October 9, 2024, 5:00 AMOct. 9, 2024, 11:31 a.m.
Senate
Incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand faces a challenge from retired NYPD detective Mike Sapraicone, but she has a wide lead over him according to recent polling. Still, she’s spent significant money on television ads to ensure her victory.
Albany: State Senate
- District 11: Incumbent Toby Ann Stavisky (D and WFP) vs. Yiatin Chu (R and CON)
- Queens neighborhoods College Point, Whitestone, Douglaston, Glen Oaks, Hollis Hills, Bellerose Manor, and parts of Bay Terrace, Astoria, and Jamaica Hills
- Stavisky has held office for over 20 years, but faced a credible challenge in the last election cycle
- District 17: Incumbent Iwen Chu (D and WFP) vs. Stephan Chan (R and CON)
- Southern Brooklyn, including parts of Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, and Bensonhurst
- Chu is seeking to flip the seat as a representative of the area’s growing Asian American community
- District 23: Incumbent Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D) vs. Marko Kepi (R)
- North Shore of Staten Island and southern Brooklyn neighborhoods including Brighton Beach
- Scarcella-Spanton is the successor to Diane Savino, who occupied the seat for nearly two decades
Albany: State Assembly
- District 23: Incumbent Stacey Pheffer Amato (D and We The People party) vs. Thomas P. Sullivan (R, CON, and Common Sense party)
- Queens, including Ozone Park, Howard Beach, and parts of the Rockaways
- Pheffer Amato, a moderate Democrat, hopes to hold on to her seat in what is expected to be the "most closely watched local general election in Queens"
- District 40: Incumbent Ron Kim (D and WFP) vs. Philip Wang (R and CON)
- Queens, including Flushing, Murray Hill, and Linden Hill
- Kim, an experienced political operative, will take on a new challenger, Republican chiropractor "Dr. Phil" Wang
- District 46: Incumbent Alec Brook-Krasny (R and CON) vs. Chris McCreight (D)
- Southern Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and parts of Coney Island
- Brook-Krasny, a former Democrat, won the seat in 2022 as a Republican
Judges
- There is only one competitive race for a judge in New York City this year, which is for Queens Surrogate’s Court between Cassandra A. Johnson (D) and Stephen Weiner (R, CON, and Common Sense)
Conclusion
The upcoming election is crucial for the future of New York City and the state. It’s essential to know about the competitive state and local races, including the Senate, State Assembly, and judicial contests. This article provides an overview of the key races to watch, highlighting the candidates, their platforms, and the importance of each contest.
FAQs
- What are the important dates to remember? Early voting begins on Saturday, October 26, and runs through Sunday, November 3. Election day is Tuesday, November 5.
- How can I get informed about the races? Visit the city Board of Elections website to check your polling place and sample ballot.
- What are the key issues in each race? This article provides an overview of the main topics, including public safety, education, and social justice.
- How can I make my voice heard? Exercise your right to vote and make sure to cast your ballot for the candidates that align with your values and priorities.
