In an unusually calm primary election night for New York state legislators, incumbents across the political spectrum maintained their positions with ease. Out of the 213 members of the Legislature, only Democratic Assemblymember Juan Ardila lost his seat. Ardila, who faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, received just 10% of the vote in a three-way race in Queens. Claire Valdez, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), won the seat with 58% of the vote.
The primary results highlight a period of stability for Albany, contrasting sharply with the more tumultuous elections of 2018 and 2020, when several incumbents were unseated. This year’s outcomes are seen as a rare endorsement of the current legislative body.
Key outcomes from the night include:
- Stefani Zinerman: The Democratic Assemblymember from Brooklyn defeated a high-profile challenge from the left.
- Michael Benedetto: The Bronx Assemblymember retained his seat against a DSA-endorsed opponent.
- Didi Barrett: Representing Columbia County, Barrett successfully defended her seat against a progressive challenger.
- Emily Gallagher, Ron Kim, Sarahana Shrestha: Progressive Assemblymembers from Brooklyn, Queens, and Ulster County, respectively, won against centrist opponents.
In the Senate, DSA-backed state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez won decisively against challenger Gus Lambropoulos in Long Island City with 84% of the vote.
Other notable results include:
- MaryJane Shimsky: The Westchester Assemblymember defeated a comeback attempt from Tom Abinanti.
- Demond Meeks: The Rochester Assemblymember secured a strong victory in his race.
- David DiPietro: The Republican Assemblymember from Western New York, boosted by a recent endorsement from Donald Trump, is expected to top 80% of the vote.
- Larinda Hooks: Defeated former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate in a Queens Assembly race.
- Micah Lasher: A former staffer to Governor Kathy Hochul and ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Lasher won with 53% of the vote in a five-way primary on the Upper West Side.
- Jordan Wright: Son of Manhattan Democratic Chair Keith Wright, won a four-way race in Harlem with 47% of the vote.
- Gabriella Romero: Albany Common Council Member, won an open race with 29% of the vote, backed by the Working Families Party.
In Albany County, District Attorney David Soares was defeated by challenger Lee Kindlon following a contentious election cycle.
Overall, the primary results indicate strong support for incumbents and a steady political landscape in New York state as the general election approaches.
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