The voters in Thursday’s New York primary election have spoken: Incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeated challenger Cynthia Nixon to represent the Democratic party in the general election on Nov. 6.
Cuomo took an early lead over Nixon, a longtime actress and activist who mounted her first-ever political campaign with her gubernatorial run. He will now face Republican and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in November.
At 10:35 p.m., Nixon told the crowd at her election night event in Flatbush, Brooklyn, that she had called Cuomo to offer her congratulations.
“He fought hard and he took nothing for granted in this race, and when others underestimated us, he did not — and he spent accordingly,” Nixon said. “I am so proud of what we’ve done. I am not discouraged, I am inspired. We have fundamentally changed the political landscape in this state.”
In New York primary, Tish James once again makes history
New York City Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James took an early lead over her rivals, law professor Zephyr Teachout, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and Verizon executive Leecia Eve.
With her win, James again made history to become the first black woman to win a statewide election. She was the first to win a city-wide election when she was elected public advocate in 2013.
If she defeats Keith Wofford in November, there will be a special public advocate election next year.
James had the backing of staunch Trump critic, California Rep. Maxine Waters, who recorded an automated call on James’ behalf.
“While we’re fighting Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., New York has a chance to elect an attorney general who will investigate Trump, stand up to the NRA, and make sure that our rights are protected,” Waters’ message said.
If James has her historic win, there will be a special election early next year for public advocate.
New York primary lieutenant governor race
The race for lieutenant governor between incumbent Kathy Hochul and New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams was a close one all night with both candidates claiming the lead at certain points, but ultimately Hochul emerged the victor. She will face Julie Killian, former deputy mayor of Rye, on Nov. 6.
Salazar wins New York primary
Democratic New York State Senate candidate Julia Salazar unseated 16-year incumbent Martin Malave Dilan in Brooklyn’s 18th District. The socialist Salazar, who faced several controversies during her campaign from her background to her religious and immigrant identity, recently claimed she was sexually assaulted by a top spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
