They’re neck and neck in Throggs Neck.

In New York’s most politically mixed neighborhoods, two new Democrats won seats in Queens and Brooklyn while one of the City Council’s most conservative incumbents held her seat — and a Bronx contest was too close to all.

Here are the results so far in the four Council races THE CITY has been watching this year:

District 13, The Bronx: Too Close to Call

It’s unclear if Republican incumbent Kristy Marmorato will secure a second term in the District 13, which has been held by a Democrat in the Council for decades. In Tuesday’s unofficial results, she was neck and neck with Democratic challenger Shirley Aldebol, who out-fundraised her by more than $169,000, including public matching funds.

About 1,600 votes separated the two candidates, with a majority of precincts reporting late Tuesday night.

Marmorato is one of just a handful of Republicans in the City Council, and in 2023 she was the first female Republican to be ever elected in The Bronx. During her first term she focused on public safety, education, and quality of life issues — advocating in opposition to the Just Home supportive housing project at Jacobi Medical Center and Bally’s casino proposal at Ferry Point Park. However, both projects moved forward with the Council’s support.

Aldebol, a longtime labor advocate, was attempting to flip the only Republican-held elected office in the borough. Ahead of the general election, Aldebol won the support of influential labor unions such as the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, 1199 SEIU, NYSNA, DC37 AFSCME and 32BJ SEIU. Aldebol has aligned herself with the issues of the national Democratic party such as opposing immigration enforcement, funding social services and improving access to health care. 

District 19, Queens: Vickie Paladino Wins

The conservative councilmember and minority whip Vickie Paladano held onto her seat in the contest against 33-year old Ben Chou, winning by about 58% to 42% with a majority of precincts reporting.

Chou, the Democratic challenger and a New York City firefighter, raised slightly more money than Paladino did with public matching funds. However, the extra $66,782 was not enough to beat Paladino, who, outside of her district, is most commonly known for igniting controversy on social media with divisive rhetoric on social issues. During her first term Paladino sought to increase funding for the police department and schools, close migrant shelters. She also suggested New Yorkers vandalize congestion pricing camera sensors and has recently called for the deportation of Zohran Mamdani, who was elected as mayor Tuesday.

District 30, Queens: Phil Wong Wins

Democrat Phil Wong won the open District 30 seat, succeeding his boss, term-limited councilmember Bob Holden. Wong, Holden’s constituent services and budget director, defeated another former one of Holden’s staffers, Alicia Vaichunas. Vaichunas, the Republican candidate, was Holden’s deputy chief of staff.

Wong won just under 54% to Vaichunas’ 44% according to a majority of precincts reporting results Tuesday night.

Leading up to the election, both candidates pledged to hire the other, no matter who wins, according to City & State. Bob Holden, a moderate Democrat who got along well with Republicans, and has run on both party lines, encouraged both of his staffers to run.

Wong also won the money race, raising almost $200,000 more in private and public matching funds than Vaichunas.

District 47, Brooklyn: Kayla Santosuosso Wins

Democrat Kayla Santosuosso, chief counsel to term-limited Councilmember Justin Brannan, was victorious in the race against Republican George Sarantopoulos, beating him 59% to 40% according to Tuesday’s results.

This marks a shift in voters’ attitudes, as the district came out strongly for Trump in the 2024 election. The two were very close in fundraising, with Santosuosso raising $464,639 and Sarantopoulos raising $475,622 in private and public matching funds.

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