Primary elections were held across the State yesterday and, as expected voter turnout was very low. Historically, primary turnout tends to be low leading to unpredictability in results. While there were only a few upsets, the bigger surprise was the ability of certain challengers to garner better-than-projected results. This was most prevalent at the top of the ticket.
Below is a quick rundown of some of yesterday’s highlights.
Click here for a full rundown of the September 9, 2014 New York primary results
NY Governor and Lieutenant Governor
In one of the most closely watched primary races yesterday was the gubernatorial contest. Governor Andrew Cuomo defeated Fordham University law professor Zephyr Teachout in Tuesday’s Democratic primary by 61-34 percent margin. Many political strategist had projected Teachout would pull about 25 percent of the vote, with few predicting 30 percent. Political activist and comedian Randy Credico secured 3.6 percent of the vote. However, the Governor lost to his opponent outright in 31 out of 62 counties in the state.
Governor Cuomo’s running mate, former Congresswoman and Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, survived her own primary against Columbia law professor Timothy Wu by a narrower margin of 60-40 percent. However, Hochul lost to Wu in 24 out of 62 counties in the state.
Cuomo/Hochul will now face Republican Rob Astorino, the Westchester County Executive, and his running mate, Chemug County Sherriff, Christopher Moss in the November Elections.
NYS Senate
We are watching this year’s State Senate races very closely. Since 2012 the State Senate has been governed by a coalition of Republicans and Independent Democrats (IDC). In May 2014 an agreement was struck with the assistance of Mayor deBlasio and Governor Cuomo for the five-member IDC to continue its existence, but instead of teaming up with Republicans, it would form a coalition with the traditional Democratic caucus.
Some things to consider about the future control of the Senate: (1) will the agreement to form a coalition between traditional Democrats and the IDC hold after the November elections; (2) can Republicans or Democrats win an outright majority; or (3) whether a coalition government will prevail between the Republicans and the IDC. Yesterday’s primary results give us a clearer picture of the November ballot in these hotly contested races.
60th Senate District
In Buffalo, Republican challenger Kevin T. Stocker unexpectedly defeated incumbent State Senator Mark J. Grisanti. Stocker, a lawyer and labor activist received 57 percent of the vote to Grisanti’s 43 percent. Senator Grisanti is in his second term and is currently the Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. This upset could play a key role in the control of the Senate, since this is a heavily enrolled Democratic seat. 34th Senate District
The Independent Democrats’ leader, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, who represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, fended off a hard-fought challenge by G. Oliver Koppell, a former Assemblyman, city councilman and state Attorney General, who accused the Senator of political opportunism and disloyalty to the party for his alliance with the Senate Republicans. Senator Klein won the Democratic line with 66.8 percent of the votes.
16th Senate District
In Queens, long time State Senator Toby Stavisky was able to hold on in a close race with activist and businessman S.J. Jung winning 57 to 42 percent. Senator Stavisky has represented Queens for 15 years in the State Senate and used her experience to set her apart from this political newcomer.
14th Senate District
In another Queens race, State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, who is accused of bribery to secure a spot on the 2013 New York City mayoral ballot, was handily defeated by Leroy Comrie, a former New York City councilman. With the cloud of a Federal investigation surrounding him, Senator Smith lost to Comrie by a margin of 69 percent to 19 percent.
11th Senate District
Senator Tony Avella, the newest member of the Independent Democratic Conference, beat former NYC Comptroller John Liu in what was expected to be a close race. Senator Avella edged out a 52 percent to 48 percent victory. Liu has yet to concede the race to Avella.