Voters across New York are casting ballots for all seats in the State Senate and Assembly, with several competitive races highlighted as key contests.
While the Democratic Party is not in danger of losing control of either chamber in the heavily blue state, a number of races are generating significant interest, particularly in southern Brooklyn, which has seen a recent trend towards Republican support.
Senate District 17 (Brooklyn)
Republican incumbent Steve Chan faces Democratic challenger Larry He in this district, which includes Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Bath Beach. This heavily Asian district trended Republican in recent cycles, with both Lee Zeldin and Donald Trump carrying the area in their respective gubernatorial and presidential races. Chan won his seat two years ago by defeating the Democratic incumbent. The race recently saw a campaign volunteer for Chan arrested for allegedly slapping a rival campaign aide.
Senate District 7 (Nassau County's North Shore)
Former City Councilman Rory Lancman, a Democrat, is running against Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz for the open Senate seat. The district, which encompasses parts of Nassau County's North Shore, was previously held by Republican Jack Martins, who did not seek reelection. Martins had reclaimed his seat in 2022 and won reelection two years ago in this swing district, which has voted Republican in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections.
Senate District 38 (Rockland County)
Republican incumbent Bill Weber is being challenged by Joseph Rand, the current mayor of Nyack. Weber flipped this seat Republican in 2022, defeating the Democratic incumbent despite the district having more registered Democrats. The area has shown Republican leanings in recent local and national elections, with Donald Trump winning the district in 2024 and Lee Zeldin narrowly carrying it in 2022.
Senate District 39 (Hudson Valley)
Democrat Lisa Kaul is challenging Republican incumbent Rob Rolison, the former mayor of Poughkeepsie. Rolison won reelection by a slim margin less than a percentage point two years ago in this newly redrawn district, which spans parts of Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam counties. While Donald Trump won the district in 2022, Kamala Harris carried it in the 2024 presidential election.
Assembly District 45 (Southern Brooklyn)
Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov is in a rematch against Democrat Joey Cohen-Saban for this seat covering Midwood, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach. Novakhov, a former radio host, narrowly defeated Saban by 270 votes two years ago. Novakhov faced scrutiny after it was revealed he did not report a bankruptcy filing on his state financial disclosure form.
Assembly District 46 (Southern Brooklyn)
Republican Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny faces Democrat Chris McCreight in a rematch in Bay Ridge, Coney Island, and Sea Gate. Brook-Krasny, who switched from Democrat to Republican, defeated McCreight by four points in 2024. He previously held the seat as a Democrat before winning it back as a Republican after being acquitted in a past legal case.
Assembly District 23 (Queens)
With Democratic Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer-Amato retiring after four terms, Republican Thomas Sullivan is running again against Democratic challenger Pesach Osina. Sullivan, a financial consultant and Army reservist, lost to Pheffer-Amato by three points in 2024. The watchdog group Citizens Union endorsed Sullivan, citing his support for their reform agenda.
Assembly District 16 (Nassau County)
Republican Assembly Member Daniel Norber is retiring, leaving this seat in Nassau County, which includes Great Neck and Port Washington, open. Norber won the seat in 2024, defeating the former Democratic Assembly Member Gina Sillitti. The race features Democrat Kim Keiserman, a former teacher, and Republican David Hassid, son of Iranian Jewish refugees. Hassid and the Nassau GOP have criticized Keiserman for her campaign donations to Democratic politicians.