LIVEBLOG: Hochul cruises past Blakeman; Republicans head to watch party as polls close
9:20: Gov. Kathy Hochul was declared the winner over Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The Associated Press called the race moments after polls closed at 9 p.m.
Mr. Blakeman’s campaign has said it’s too soon to call the race, according to News 12 Long Island.
Hochul, a Democrat and New York’s first female governor, took office in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo resigned and won her first full term in 2022.
8:50: Republican supporters began filing into Stereo Garden in Patchogue Tuesday night as the Suffolk County GOP settled in for a night of election returns. Polls close at 9 p.m.
Key races on the ballot include the battle for governor between Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul and Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Republican Rep. Nick LaLota against Democrat Chris Gallant in the 1st Congressional District.
Their contest is part of the national fight for control of the House. Republicans hold 218 seats, Democrats 214, with one independent and two vacancies, according to the House’s official party breakdown. All 435 seats are up for election, with 218 needed to secure a majority in the next Congress.
Closer to home, Republican state Sen. Anthony Palumbo is challenged by Democrat Chris Murray in the 1st Senate District.
Southold voters will choose between Democratic Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni and Republican Stephen Kiely in the 1st Assembly District.
Democrats control both chambers in Albany, holding a 103-47 Assembly majority and a 40-22 Senate majority, with one Senate vacancy, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. All 150 Assembly seats and 63 Senate seats are on the ballot.
Statewide, Democratic state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is challenged by Republican Joseph Hernandez, while Democratic Attorney General Letitia James faces Republican Saritha Komatireddy.
Democrat Jon Estreich and Republican Dan Losquadro are running for Suffolk County comptroller. Republican Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo faces a Democratic-backed write-in challenge from Cutchogue attorney Abigail Field, whose name does not appear on the printed ballot.
State Supreme Court, County Court and Family Court judges are also on the ballot.
