New York isn’t as blue as you think. Honestly, the NY election results 2024 caught a lot of people off guard, even the seasoned political junkies who spend their lives staring at spreadsheets. While the headlines scream about a comfortable win for Kamala Harris in the Empire State, the real story is buried in the margins. It’s a story of a shifting landscape where the “safe” Democratic strongholds are starting to look a lot more competitive.
Everyone expected a win for Harris. She got it. But the gap? It narrowed significantly. In 2020, Joe Biden carried the state by 23 points. This time around, Harris won by about 13 points. That’s a ten-point swing. For a state that’s supposed to be a liberal fortress, that’s not just a rounding error. It’s a loud, clear message from the suburbs and even parts of the five boroughs.
The Congressional Flip-Flop
One of the most intense battles played out in the House races. Remember when Republicans made those massive gains in 2022? Democrats spent two years—and a ridiculous amount of money—trying to claw those seats back. They actually succeeded in a few key spots, but it wasn't a clean sweep by any means.
- NY-4 (Long Island): Laura Gillen managed to unseat Republican Anthony D’Esposito. This was a brutal rematch from 2022.
- NY-19 (Hudson Valley): Josh Riley finally took down Marc Molinaro after a campaign that felt like it lasted a decade.
- NY-22 (Central NY): John Mannion beat Brandon Williams, proving that the Syracuse area is still very much in play for Democrats.
Despite these flips, Republicans like Mike Lawler in the 17th and Nick LaLota in the 1st held their ground. It’s a weirdly balanced delegation now. You've got 19 Democrats and 7 Republicans representing New York in D.C. It’s less of a "blue wave" and more of a "purple tug-of-war."
Why NYC Isn't a Monolith
The most shocking part of the NY election results 2024 wasn't upstate; it was the city itself. If you look at the precinct-level data in Queens and the Bronx, the shift toward the GOP is unmistakable. In the Bronx, the Democratic margin of victory dropped significantly compared to 2016.
Why?
People are talking about the "pocketbook" factor. High rents, the cost of groceries, and a general feeling that the status quo isn't working for the working class. It’s not necessarily that these voters became hardcore conservatives overnight. They’re just frustrated. They feel like the "establishment" has left them behind. When you talk to folks in neighborhoods like Woodside or Howard Beach, the conversation isn't about grand ideology. It’s about "Can I afford my life?"
Proposition 1: The Equal Rights Amendment
Away from the candidate drama, New Yorkers also voted on Proposition 1. This was the "Equal Rights Amendment" (ERA) that sought to bake abortion protections and anti-discrimination language directly into the state constitution.
It passed. Comfortably.
Over 62% of voters said "yes." This is interesting because it shows a massive disconnect. A voter might pick a Republican for Congress because they’re worried about the economy, but then turn around and vote "yes" on Prop 1 because they want to protect reproductive rights. New Yorkers are complicated. We don’t just follow a party line blindly.
The Turnout Problem
We need to talk about turnout. In New York City, turnout in the general election was around 60%. Sounds okay, right? But compared to other states, it’s kinda low. Even worse, the primary turnout was abysmal—around 10% in June.
- Young Voters: Only about 57% of voters under 30 showed up in November.
- The "Blank" Ballot: In the presidential primary earlier in the year, nearly 15% of Democrats left their ballots blank as a protest. This was largely tied to frustrations over the conflict in Gaza.
- Early Voting: This is the one bright spot. About 38% of city voters used early in-person voting. We love the convenience, apparently.
The Senate and Assembly Shuffle
In Albany, the power dynamic shifted slightly. Democrats kept their supermajority in the State Assembly—winning 100 out of 150 seats—but they lost it in the State Senate. They’re down to about 40 or 41 seats there.
Does this matter? Sorta. Losing a supermajority means the Governor can’t just bypass the other side as easily on certain budget items or veto overrides. It forces at least a little bit of conversation, which might be a good thing depending on who you ask.
📖 Related: Why the Supreme Court Appears Poised to Weaken Voting Rights Act Protections Again
What’s Next for New York?
If you’re looking at these results and trying to guess what happens in 2026, keep your eye on the suburbs. The "swing" hasn't stopped. The GOP is gaining ground with Latino and Asian voters in NYC, while Democrats are desperately trying to hold onto the suburban "educated" vote.
Actionable Insights for New Yorkers:
- Check Your Registration: Since NY has a closed primary system, you can't vote in a primary unless you’re registered with a party. If you're "unaffiliated," you're sitting out the most important decisions. Update your status at the NYS Board of Elections.
- Follow Local Budgets: With the loss of the Senate supermajority, the 2025-2026 budget fight in Albany will be intense. Keep an eye on how transit and housing are funded.
- Watch the 2025 Mayor’s Race: These shifts in NYC neighborhoods are the perfect setup for the upcoming mayoral election. Candidates are already adjusting their platforms to address the "middle-of-the-road" shift we saw in 2024.
The NY election results 2024 prove that no party can take this state for granted. The map is changing, the voters are restless, and the old "reliable" blue wall has some pretty visible cracks in it.