The only major statewide contest that every primary voter in New York City will get a chance to vote is for state comptroller, as incumbent Tom DiNapoli faces challengers from two rival Democrats, Raj Goyle and Drew Warshow. The biggest statewide contest in New York this year will come in November, when Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks another term in office against her Republican rival, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Most of the primary ballot this month focuses on races for seats in the state Assembly, state Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The House races, in particular, are of interest because six seats in the New York City delegation are being contested — with either a long-term incumbent facing a challenge from the left, or a number of candidates seeking to fill a retiring incumbent’s spot.
As with any election, the candidates who win these races are those who can drive the turnout in their favor. No candidate should take that for granted — especially the most veteran lawmakers on the primary ballot this month.
In the past, incumbent Democrats have been picked off by left-wing challengers who mobilized their voters and got them to the polls. We saw that happen last year with Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign galvanized a surge in voter participation in the primary and general elections, catapulting him into office as the city’s new mayor.
All of us who believe in democracy in this country should want a high turnout and participation in every election. But it can’t just be one side that votes, and one side that doesn’t; it can’t just be one side that turns the voters out, and one side that relies upon voters staying home. Every candidate must do everything they can to get their voters to the polls.
It is also not enough for one candidate to tout ideological purity as the reason for voting themselves into office and kicking their opponent out. No one should expect to agree with a candidate on every issue, nor should they demand as much. Ideological purity only leads to further division in society, and there is already far too much of that in government.
The late Ed Koch had a saying for ideological purity that rings true today: “If you agree with me on 9 of 12 issues, vote for me; if you agree with me on 12 of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.”
All this said, in the end, it is up to the primary voters to exercise their own discretion when they cast their votes.
Don’t believe all the hyperbolic commercials, campaign fliers, and social media posts. Do you own research; read up on the candidates and what they represent, and make the decision that you feel is best for you, your family, and your city.
But whatever you do, if you are a registered Democrat, do not sit this primary out. Do not take your vote for granted. Make a plan to vote either during the early voting period, between June 13-21, or on Election Day itself, June 23. For more information, visit vote.nyc.