ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Latest on Tuesday’s special elections for the New York state Senate (all times local):
10:15 p.m.
Democrats have prevailed in two special elections for the New York state Senate - but Republicans will retain control thanks to the support of a breakaway Democrat.
In Westchester County, Democratic Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer declared victory over Republican Julie Killian. With more than 80 percent of precincts reporting, Mayer had a 16 percentage point lead.
In the second contest, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda easily dispatched Republican Patrick Delices (deh-LEE’-sehs) in the Bronx.
The victories give Democrats a one-seat Senate majority. But Republicans will stay in charge through the end of the legislative session in June because of an alliance with Democratic Sen. Simcha (SIHM’-kuh) Felder of Brooklyn. Felder has long sided with the GOP.
Democrats say they will seek to win a clear majority in November.
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10 p.m.
Democrat Luis Sepulveda has won a New York state Senate special election in the Bronx.
Sepulveda, a member of the state Assembly, easily beat Republican Patrick Delices (deh-LEE’-sehs) and Reform Party candidate Pamela Stewart-Martinez on Tuesday in a Senate district where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 20-to-1.
In a second Senate race in Westchester County, Democratic Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer was facing Republican Julie Killian.
Democrats had hoped to win both seats and take control of the Senate. But Republicans will stay in charge at least through the end of the legislative session in June thanks to the support of a breakaway Democrat, Sen. Simcha (SIHM’-kuh) Felder of Brooklyn. Felder has long sided with Republicans and said Tuesday he would continue the alliance regardless of the election outcomes.
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3 p.m.
The New York state Senate will remain in Republican hands - for now.
A key Democratic state senator who has sided with Republicans said Tuesday that he will stay put - even if Democrats win two special elections Tuesday and win a numeric Senate majority.
Brooklyn Sen. Simcha (SIHM’-kuh) Felder has long sat with Senate Republicans, to the frustration of members of his own party. Democratic leaders had hoped Felder might return if they win Tuesday’s elections in Westchester County and the Bronx.
In Westchester County, Democratic Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer faces Republican Julie Killian, a former local official.
In the Bronx, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda faces Republican Patrick Delices (deh-LEE’-sehs).
Republicans now have a one-seat Senate majority. Democrats say they’ll now focus on winning a clear majority in November.
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9:05 a.m.
Voters in Westchester County and the Bronx are heading to the polls to pick two new state lawmakers.
Tuesday’s special Senate elections could decide whether Democrats wrest control of the chamber from Republicans, who now have a one-seat majority. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.
In Westchester County, Democratic Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer faces Republican Julie Killian, a former local official.
In the Bronx, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda faces Republican Patrick Delices (deh-LEE’-sehs).
Even if they win both seats, however, Democrats must also persuade one of their own to return to the party fold.
Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder of Brooklyn now sits with Republicans, meaning the GOP could retain control even if Democrats win a numeric majority.
Democrats already control the Assembly and hold the offices of governor, attorney general and comptroller.
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12:05 a.m.
Voters in Westchester County and the Bronx are heading to the polls to pick two new state lawmakers.
Tuesday’s special Senate elections could decide whether Democrats wrest control of the chamber from Republicans, who now have a one-seat majority.
In Westchester County, Democratic Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer faces Republican Julie Killian, a former local official.
In the Bronx, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda faces Republican Patrick Delices (deh-LEE’-sehs).
Even if they win both seats, however, Democrats must also persuade one of their own to return to the party fold.
Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder of Brooklyn now sits with Republicans, meaning the GOP could retain control even if Democrats win a numeric majority.
Democrats already control the Assembly and hold the offices of governor, attorney general and comptroller.
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