What We’re Watching In New York Tonight
New York’s congressional primaries were originally scheduled to be held today, but they were postponed to Aug. 23 after a court threw out and redrew the state’s congressional map. As a result, the only primaries on the ballot in New York today are for statewide office.
- In the Democratic primary for governor, incumbent Kathy Hochul (who took office after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace) is the heavy favorite over New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is running to her left, and Rep. Tom Suozzi, who is running to her right.
- However, the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor (which is decided separately) could be closer. Hochul’s preferred running mate, incumbent Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, got a late start campaigning after Hochul’s first deputy, Brian Benjamin, was arrested for bribery and resigned. In addition, progressive activist Ana María Archila has demonstrated broader appeal than Williams, her progressive gubernatorial running mate.
- Finally, there’s also a competitive Republican primary for governor, where Andrew Giuliani (the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani) could be breathing down the neck of front-runner Rep. Lee Zeldin. Of course, no matter who wins, they will be a heavy underdog in November in this deep-blue state.