As you’ve probably heard, incumbent Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has defeated Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino to serve a second term as New York’s chief executive. However, there are many other important races that you may not have been following. Here are a few:
New York Congressional District 18: Sean Patrick Maloney (winner) vs. Nan Hayworth:
This seat in the House of Representatives encompasses parts of Westchester and Dutchess Counties, as well as Putnam and Orange Counties. Incumbent Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney and Republican challenger Nan Hayworth were neck and neck on election night, but Maloney pulled ahead and was declared the victor by the Associated Press on Wednesday. Maloney, whose campaign was given a last-minute boost from Chappaqua’s own Hillary Clinton, is the first openly gay man to be elected to New York’s congressional delegation.
New York State Senate District 40: Terrence Murphy (winner) vs. Justin Wagner:
One of the closest State Senate races of the year, Republican Terrence Murphy emerged victorious. This district includes parts of Westchester, eastern Putnam, and southeastern Dutchess Counties. Murphy will replace Republican State Senator Greg Ball who decided not to run for re-election.
New York State Senate District 41: Terry Gipson vs. Sue Serino (winner):
Republican Sue Serino has defeated incumbent Democrat Terry Gipson, making her the first woman Senator to represent the district, which includes most of Dutchess and parts of Putnam.
New York State Senate District 46: Cecilia Tkaczyk vs. George Amedore (winner):
After a second attempt at replacing incumbent Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk, Republican George Amedore has succeeded in this year’s elections. He now represents the district which encompasses eastern Ulster, Greene County, western Albany, and some of Schenectady and Montgomery.
Connecticut Congressional District 4: Jim Himes (winner) vs. Dan Debicella
Democrat Jim Himes has won a fourth term in the House of Representatives, defeating his challenger, Republican Dan Debicella for a second time. Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th congressional district, which encompasses all of Greenwich. In a night that brought defeat after defeat for the political left, the Democrats swept all five of the state’s congressional districts, and the narrow reelection of Governor Dannel Malloy served as a small glimmer of good news for the party.
Correction (11/6/14): This article originally indicated that Sue Serino would be the first Republican to represent New York’s 41st State Senate District since 1990. Steve Saland, who was elected in 1990, held the position as a Republican until 2012.
