Early voting has commenced in New York’s primary elections, which feature a range of congressional and state-level contests with significant implications for the city and state’s political dynamics ahead of the November midterms. The primaries in New York City are largely decisive, as the districts involved are considered safely Democratic; therefore, the primary winners are poised to secure their seats in the general election.
The early voting period began on Saturday, June 13, coinciding with the voter registration deadline, and will continue through June 21. Polling locations and hours vary during this period, with most sites open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, extended hours on June 16 and 17 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and shorter hours on June 18 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). On Primary Day, June 23, polls will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., which also marks the final day for submitting mail-in ballots. Voters should verify their specific polling locations, as early voting sites often differ from those used on primary day.
New York’s closed primary system restricts participation to registered party members, excluding unaffiliated and independent voters. Democrats will be selecting nominees in several high-profile congressional races.
Among the most competitive contests is New York’s 10th Congressional District, which spans Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Here, Brad Lander, a progressive ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former city comptroller, challenges incumbent Dan Goldman, known for his vocal opposition to former President Donald Trump. A contentious issue in this district has been support for Israel, with Lander and his allies criticizing Goldman’s connections to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, while Lander has characterized the Gaza conflict as genocide, intensifying debate within the progressive voter base.
The 12th District, covering central Manhattan from the Upper West Side and Upper East Side down to Chelsea and the East Village, features an open seat following Representative Jerrold Nadler’s retirement. The race includes Jack Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family who has taken a distinctive, media-savvy campaign approach; George T. Conway III, a former Republican emphasizing opposition to Trump; and state legislators Micah Lasher and Alex Bores. Despite ideological similarities among many candidates, the race demands attention due to its diverse field and high-profile contenders.
In the 13th District, which stretches from Upper Manhattan through parts of the Bronx, Mayor Mamdani disrupted expectations by endorsing progressive organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier over the five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat. Avila Chevalier, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny for previously posted controversial social media content, including support for prison abolition and police defunding, and questioning Israel’s right to exist. The contest exemplifies a broader intra-party debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party in New York.
Another notable race is the 7th District in Brooklyn and Queens, where Antonio Reynoso, the progressive Brooklyn borough president, faces Claire Valdez, a newcomer who identifies as a democratic socialist and entered the race at the encouragement of Mayor Mamdani.
Beyond these city races, state-level contests include the Democratic primary for state comptroller, where longtime officeholder Thomas P. DiNapoli faces two challengers, Raj Goyle and Drew Warshaw, both positioning themselves to his left amid a surge of progressive momentum linked to Mamdani’s influence.
Upstate, attention turns to the 17th District, where Democrats are selecting a challenger to Mike Lawler, a Republican ally of Trump considered vulnerable in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, the 21st District, historically right-leaning, is hosting a competitive Republican primary to succeed Representative Elise Stefanik.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sought to leverage his popularity to bolster progressive candidates statewide. He has actively endorsed and campaigned alongside Valdez, Lander, and Avila Chevalier, even appearing with them in a basketball-themed advertisement aired during the NBA finals, urging New Yorkers to vote and framing the election as a pivotal moment for progressive candidates.
The outcomes of these primaries are expected to not only determine November's ballot but also influence the ideological orientation of New York’s Democratic Party and its approach to national political challenges in the coming years.