2022 Election Analysis

The largely anticipated ‘red wave’ of the 2022 midterm elections may not have unfolded quite as predicted, but Republicans picked up several congressional and statehouse seats in Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. Kathy Hochul became the first woman elected governor of New York, and the offices of the Comptroller, Attorney General, and US Senate remain Democratic. The State Senate maintains a Democratic majority in spite of several Democratic incumbents losing their seats on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. The State Assembly maintains a Democratic majority with some Democratic incumbents losing their seats in New York City.

Whether the Senate and Assembly Democratic majorities maintain a “veto-proof” 2/3 majority in each house remains to be seen with several races still outstanding. However, this veto override power is more theoretical than practical, as the legislature has rarely ever used this when they had the necessary 2/3 majorities in the past. There are also no expected leadership changes, with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie expected easily to be re-elected to their respective positions in January.

The attached pdf provides detailed results of the November 8th election as of November 17.

Finally, there is no one in New York who provides more insightful political analysis and insights than Bruce Gyory. His recent assessment of the 2022 elections in New York, attached below, draws two important conclusions with implications for the 2024 state races. First, Lee Zeldin's gubernatorial race, though impressive, was flawed from the very start and therefore doomed to failure; and second, unless the Democrats end their habit of engaging in circular firing squads, a Republican could well be elected governor in 2024.

It is well worth a read:

https://empirereportnewyork.com/the-five-takeaways-to-unlocking-the-key-lessons-of-the-2022-election-returns-in-nys/