The state features several competitive races for the U.S. House, which could play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Congress. Democrats are specifically targeting two districts in Long Island: Suffolk County’s 1st District and Nassau County’s 4th District. In the 1st District, incumbent Republican Representative Nick LaLota faces Democrat John Avlon. Meanwhile, Republican Anthony D’Esposito in the 4th District is set for a rematch against Laura Gillen, the Democratic contender from the 2022 elections.
Additionally, three Republican newcomers—Reps. Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Brandon Williams—are confronting fierce competition in their northern districts. All four of these seats, including D’Esposito’s, are critical for Democrats as they were won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. On the Democratic side, Rep. Pat Ryan is also engaged in a highly competitive race.
The battle for New York’s 28 electoral votes is heating up, with former President Donald Trump representing the Republican side and Vice President Kamala Harris leading the Democrats. Notably, New York has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since the Reagan era in the 1980s. Additionally, Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is campaigning for her third full term in the Senate.
In the state Legislature, Democrats currently hold a dominant position, but losing even a few seats could jeopardize their supermajority in either chamber, with all state Senate and Assembly positions up for grabs this November.
Voters will also be asked to weigh in on a significant ballot measure known as the “Equal Rights Amendment.” This proposal, which has broad support among Democrats and abortion rights advocates, seeks to prohibit discrimination linked to “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” New York is among ten states where voters will consider abortion-related proposals on November 5.
Here’s an overview of what to expect for the upcoming 2024 election in New York:
Election Day falls on November 5.
Polls will close at 9 p.m. ET.
The state offers 28 electoral votes to the winner of the statewide race.
Key races include:
– President: Harris (D) vs. Trump (R)
– U.S. Senate: Gillibrand (D) vs. Michael Sapraicone (R) and another challenger.
– 4th Congressional District: D’Esposito (R) vs. Laura Gillen (D)
– 17th Congressional District: Lawler (R) vs. Mondaire Jones (D) and another contender.
– 18th Congressional District: Ryan (D) vs. Alison Esposito (R)
– Ballot measure: Constitutional Amendment 1 (Equal Protection of Law)
Other noteworthy races include contests for the U.S. House, state Senate, state Assembly, state Supreme Court, and various ballot measures in New York City.
In the previous presidential election of 2020, Joe Biden secured 61% of the votes while Donald Trump received 38%, as called by race analysts on November 3, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET.
Voter registration statistics show there are currently over 13 million registered voters in New York, with approximately 49% identifying as Democrats, around 22% as Republicans, and roughly 24% as independents. Voter turnout was noted at 64% during the 2020 presidential elections.
Pre-Election Day voting saw about 51% of the total votes cast prior to Election Day in 2020, while that number dropped to 26% during the 2022 elections. The figures for 2024 will be updated as data become available. It is expected that the first batch of votes will be reported soon after polls close, similar to previous election cycles when a significant proportion of votes are typically tallied by midnight ET.